We reflect upon this precept to pray, fast, and give alms, not just at the beginning of Lent, but also during Ordinary Time, because these penitential practices are to be part of the ordinary life of the Christian. We aren’t to pray, fast, and give alms just during Lent, but all year round.
There was an order of monks who lived by the phrase: “Semper Quadragesima”, which means, Always Lent. They tried always live in that penitential Lenten Spirit always. Because remember, during Lent we strip away the non-essentials to get back to the basics of Christianity, the fundamental Christian practices which nourish the spiritual life. And prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are among those essentials: we will never experience true spiritual growth without them.
Well, in this passage from the Lord’s great Sermon on the Mount, Our Lord teaches us, not just that we are to pray, fast, and give alms, but how we are to pray, fast, and give alms. His concern is not just that we perform them, but the motive and manner in which they do them.
And His overarching warning is not to do them in order to be noticed by others. To do them in a humble, hidden manner. Yes, we come together to pray publicly, at mass, rosary, novena. But that hidden prayer is so vital. Our generosity to the public almsgiving during the Sunday Offertory is important, but the little hidden acts of giving are powerful and needed.
So if today were the first day of Lent again, what would be some behaviors or activities or pleasures that I endeavor to fast from? What kind of fasting should I be doing all the time—year-round? Is there at least one moment in my day set aside to turn to the Lord in quiet prayer? And what can I do to give of more of my time, talent, and treasure to the needy and in service to the Church.
May our year-round prayer, fasting, and almsgiving be always done with a pure heart out of love for God, the pure motive of helping those in need without being noticed, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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That all Christians will commit to fervent prayer so as to grow in greater love and holiness. We pray to the Lord.
For the faithfulness to fasting and to all the ways that the Lord wishes to sanctify us. We pray to the Lord.
For greater generosity for the needs of the poor, the hungry, the homeless, those who are sick, unemployed, or suffering from addiction, mental, or physical illness, and those most in need: that the Lord in his goodness will be close to them in their trials. We pray to the Lord.
That the Lord will rescue all those who live at a distance from Him because of self-absorption or sin. We pray to the Lord.
For all those who have died, for all the poor souls in purgatory, for those who have fought and died for our country’s freedom.
Mercifully hear, O Lord, the prayers of your Church and turn with compassion to the hearts that bow before you, that those you make sharers in your divine mystery may always benefit from your assistance.
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