March 19, 2010
The Christian Journey
Lenten ideas offered for home and family
BY FATHER JIM SAUER
We are half-way through Lent. At this point, it may seem senseless to suggest new Lenten ideas regarding fasting, abstinence and charitable works. I had hoped to reach this point sooner. However, I believe a review of Lent’s history and the development of its customs is very important in helping us to engage them with more understanding and faith. Perhaps the ideas in today’s article can be stored away for next year!
Why do we always seem to look at Lent from an “individualistic” point-of-view — what should “I” sacrifice; what charitable works can “I” do, etc? While the individual heart is certainly the core arena for conversion, conversion always has a broader perspective because we never live in isolation from others. As social beings, our attitudes and behaviors unfailingly influence others.
Let’s begin with our families. Do our families need to change, experience conversion, or become “communities really built on Christ?” Listening to parents and youth, I think we would all have to answer in the affirmative. A family working towards a more wholesome atmosphere is very much in the spirit of Lent and Easter.
Often parents express how they wish their family life were different! Why does the Lord lay this upon their hearts and minds except as an invitation for them to do something about it? Certainly not to constantly berate themselves!
Parents claim how their homes feel like “motels,” places where everyone sleeps, eats and does laundry; but seldom spend time with each other because everyone is scurrying off to extracurricular activities. Motels are fun for vacations! But, as permanent residences, we know deep down how much we really need and want a “home” — a place that is ours, where everyone knows she or he is loved and cared for. How does a family convert a “motel” into a “home?”
1) Try enjoying a family meal at least one night each week where everyone is to be present. The book, Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, has many creative meal blessings involving the entire family. The whole family could help with the clean up afterwards, which might provide impromptu conversation time.
2) The family could work at a local soup kitchen; participate in a walk-a-thon for the poor; or, help at the parish Friday fish fry. Each member could contribute a minimum of $1 per week to the Rice Bowl sitting on the kitchen table, which the family brings to church together on Good Friday.
3) After dinner, telephone grandma and grandpa, a friend whom you haven’t spoken with for awhile, or a former exchange student. Write a family letter to someone special including a family photo.
4) Place a bowl in a special “prayer section” with a crucifix or a bible displayed next to it. In the bowl, place each family member’s name on a folded piece of paper; write down something you would like others to pray for, a world need, a class you’re struggling with or a test you’re facing. Each morning, everyone takes a slip and prays for that family member or intention throughout the day.
I’ve exhausted this column’s space regarding ideas, but you get the gist. Usually very simple things we do help us become a closer-knit family. Change and sacrifice will be required by everyone to make this family Lenten renewal possible. Is it worth it? Only those families willing to try it will know the rewards. If you try, may you experience a new level of life in Christ by the Spirit’s power dwelling among you.