Living Lent as a family unit

posted on February 25, 2010

Written by Lisa Petsche

Each year at the beginning of Lent, my family receives a “Lifestyle Awareness Calendar” in our parish bulletin from the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. The idea is to set aside small sums of money which accumulate for the Share Lent collection.

The calendar raises our awareness of the many conveniences of North American life we take for granted that are not part of the lives of most people in developing countries.

It also leads us to consider the impact on our family of the consumer- and success-oriented culture in which we live. Daily we’re bombarded by advertising that aggressively aims to influence our wants and convince us that they are needs. It perpetuates the myth that fulfilment comes from external sources and that the more we acquire in terms of goods and prestige, the better we will feel.

In a recent homily, my pastor pointed out that while it’s not a sin to be wealthy it is a sin to place our faith in our wealth instead of God. It’s no wonder that many people who, by society’s definition “have it all," admit to feeling an emptiness inside.

Clearly, more and more adults hunger for a sense of purpose that transcends the material world. And they long for true connection with others.

Fortunately, the Lenten season presents a wonderful opportunity for us as Catholic parents take stock of our relationship with God, our loved ones and the world around us. This involves honestly examining our values and priorities, as exemplified in our daily living.

For instance, do I put my family ahead of work and other pursuits? Do I make ongoing efforts to enrich my relationship with my spouse? As a family, do we spend regular, quality time together? Do we live in the present, appreciating the blessings we have? Do we look for signs of goodness in ourselves and others?

Through our various Lenten endeavours we experience renewal, gradually drawing closer to God and each other.

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