Lent is one of those seasons in the church calendar that can sometimes feel overwhelming. With all the emphasis on what to give up and how to stay disciplined, it can easily become a time filled with distractions. But when we strip it all away, at its core, Lent is about one thing: growing deeper in our relationship with the Lord through making a gift of ourselves to Him and those around us. So, what exactly does that look like?
The Three Pillars of Lent
The Church gives us three clear pillars to help us stay focused during the 40 days of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. While fasting is something many people are familiar with, prayer and almsgiving can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. It’s easy to think of Lent as primarily about giving something up—food, social media, or certain comforts—but prayer is equally important as a way to build a stronger connection with God.
Why Prayer?
God is calling us to deepen our relationship with Him through prayer. This isn’t just about checking a box or saying a quick prayer before bed; it’s about intentionally carving out time each day to speak to God and, just as importantly, to listen. If we want to truly grow in our relationship with Jesus, prayer is where we begin. It’s in those moments of quiet communion with God that we can come to know Him on a personal level. Prayer is simply our communication with God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–. in a relationship where we both speak and listen.
Why Fast?
Fasting during Lent serves many purposes. It’s a way to unite ourselves with Christ’s suffering, detach from worldly distractions, make more room for God in our lives, and practice holy habits that nurture our growth in virtue. The reasons are numerous, but at its heart, Lent is not about us—it’s about Jesus Christ.
First and foremost, fasting is a way to repent and turn away from sin. While fasting itself cannot erase our sins, it demonstrates our sorrow and offers a small act of reparation for the ways we’ve fallen short. When we give up certain things, we clear away the clutter in our schedules, our minds, and our hearts. This frees up time and energy to focus more fully on Christ, allowing Him to occupy a greater place in our hearts and lives. Fasting also trains our bodies and minds to align with God’s will. This act of sacrifice strengthens our resolve and gives us the motivation to continue fasting, even when it feels difficult, knowing that we are offering something meaningful to God. By developing this discipline, we prepare ourselves to resist sin in the future. In this way, fasting becomes an act of worship—turning away from temptation and toward God.
Why Almsgiving?
Almsgiving is the act of donating money or goods to the poor or performing acts of charity, but it’s more than just giving—it’s rooted in the Latin and Greek words for mercy and pity, reflecting love for others. It’s enacting charity, often involving a personal sacrifice to help meet the needs of others and strengthen community bonds. While closely associated with Lent, almsgiving is a year-round spiritual practice for Catholics, helping us step outside ourselves and focus on others. It deepens our prayer life, aligns with fasting, and prompts reflection on our own consumption. Ultimately, almsgiving connects us with those in need, helps us live out a spirit of generosity, and reminds us to love those the Lord has put in our lives.
Let this Lent be a season of renewal and growth as we continue to walk closer with Him each day.