Pope Francis’s tips for Lent

Lent is the liturgical period preceding Easter and, in a sense, it allows the faithful to prepare for its celebrations. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday, and is characterised by fasting and penance, prayer and charity, in a path of purification of body and soul.

However, what is the best way to deal with Lent? Too often, in the frenzy of modern life, distracted by endless problems and headaches, we tend to forget the true spirit of this period, which symbolises and reminds us of an important moment in the life of Jesus, or the forty days spent in the desert before beginning his preaching.

A few years ago, Pope Francis, in one of his speeches, listed a number of valuable tips for undergoing Lent, which remain valid and relevant today, and forever. 10 pearls of wisdom and love to keep in mind, at this time more than ever.

We want to remember them along with you:

1. Get rid of bad lazy habits

“Lent is a “powerful” season, a turning point that can strengthen change and conversion in all of us. It can change us for the better. It helps us to leave behind the bad habits that create dependency on evil.”

2. Do something that causes suffering

“Lent is an excellent time for self-denial: we have to understand what is better to give up, to enrich ourselves and enrich others with our poverty. Do not forget that real poverty hurts. No self-denial is true if devoid of pain. I do not believe in charity that costs nothing and it does not hurt. ”

3. Do not remain indifferent

“Indifference towards others and towards God is a strong temptation for us Christians. Every year, during Lent, we once again hear the words of the prophets, who cry out to our conscience and challenge us. God is not indifferent to this world. He loves us and sent us his son for our salvation.”

4. Pray and say, “Make our hearts like Yours!”

“During Lent, we must ask the Lord: “Fac cor nostrum secundum cor tuum”, that is “Make our hearts like yours” (Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus). In this way we get a firm and a compassionate heart, caring and generous, open, not indifferent, and not the prey of the globalisation of indifference “.

5. Take part in sacraments

“Lent serves to receive the sacraments of Christ. Each time, we have to hear the word of the Lord and receive His blessings. We must dedicate ourselves, especially, to the Eucharist. Then we will become what we receive: the body of Christ. ”

6. Pray (again)

“In the face of all the injuries that plague us and weigh down our hearts, we are called to dive into the sea of prayer, which is the sea of the love of God, to taste the flavour of His tenderness. Lent is a time of prayer, intense prayer, more prolonged, more assiduous, and more attentive to the needs of the brothers, more dedicated to the Saints and the Virgin Mary to overcome poverty and suffering. ”

7. Practice fasting

“We must be careful not to practice a purely formal fasting, or one in which you are “satisfied” anyway, because it makes us feel good. Fasting makes sense if it causes difficulties for our safety, and if it leads to benefits for others. It helps us to cultivate the Good Samaritan, who bends in front of his brother in need and takes care of him. ”

8. Practice charity

“Today gratuity is not part of everyday life, where everything is bought and sold. Everything is calculated and measured. Charity helps us to live the experience of giving freely, which in turn leads to a new freedom, from the obsession of owning things. It takes away the fear of losing what we have and remove the sadness of those who do not know or do not want to share their wealth with others.”

9. Help the poor

“Among the poor and marginalised, we see the face of Christ. By loving and helping the poor, we love and serve Christ. Our efforts must be directed at putting an end to violations of human dignity, against discrimination and abuse in the world, because these are the causes of deprivation. When power, luxury and money become idols, they take priority over the need for a fair distribution of wealth. Our consciences are to be converted to justice, equality, simplicity and sharing.”

10. Evangelise

“The Lord wants us to be joyful heralds of His message of hope and compassion. It is exciting to share the beauty of spreading the good news, spread the treasure entrusted to us, comfort the afflicted and give hope to our brothers and sisters who are lost in darkness. “