IN LITTLE WAYS
I can’t believe it’s almost Ash Wednesday. Didn’t we just celebrate Christmas? I guess I need to stop humming carols and start planning a meaningful Lent.
The three traditional Lenten observances are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Many people also take on something extra, such as volunteer work or Bible study. My best Lents have come when my Lenten disciplines have a unifying theme. Whatever fasting I do requires prayer support. Fasting also funds my giving and suggests my special Lenten project.
I’ll probably give up sweets again. I’ll figure out how much I usually spend on snacks and dessert and donate at least that amount to a worthy charity. Sweets are a luxury, so I’ll choose a charity that helps those who can’t afford luxuries. In the past, that’s been the local food bank, Catholic Charities or Catholic Relief Services.
Sacrifice and prayer are natural companions. This year, I could say grace whenever I eat anything and include a petition for those who can’t grab a snack when they’re hungry. I could also lift them up every time I get a sugar craving. When I awake, I could remember those who will have no breakfast. At night, I could remember those who try to sleep on empty stomachs. I could offer up any additional Masses or rosaries for the hungry. I know the CRS Rice Bowl campaign will include a good prayer.
As for the something extra, I want to learn more about who is hungry here at home and throughout the world. And I want to know why. Those who worry about population control claim there’s a limit to how many people this planet can support. Other experts say there’s enough food; it’s just not getting to those who need it most. Why not? I could spend some time every day researching world hunger. By Easter, I might have a more informed opinion on which food assistance programs work best and why.
You see, I want Lent to change me. If I skip dessert for 40 days, I might lose a few pounds, but they’ll come right back when I return to my normal eating patterns. Maybe, though, my Lenten sacrifice will show me that I eat for many reasons besides hunger. Lent’s 40 days could be the beginning of a healthier lifestyle. My doctor would certainly approve.
I’m retired and could easily attend daily Mass at least once a week. I just never think of it. However, if my Lenten discipline included noonday Mass every Wednesday, I’d be well on my way to forming a new habit, one that might have lasting impact on my spiritual life.
I would hope that reading about hunger would make me more aware of my hungry neighbors. My parish distributes food baskets once a week, but I have no idea who receives them or why. Aren’t all poor people eligible for food stamps? Is that not enough? How much income does a family of four require to live comfortably in Hawaii? Finding answers to these and other questions about poverty and hunger could affect my vote this November.
In addition to observing Lent, I usually spend February and March putting together tax information for our accountant. If I’m reading about the hungry at the same time, I might well find myself reassessing what my future charitable giving should be.
I want a Lent that’s more than just six weeks of missing chocolate. I want to end the season a little more prayerful and a little more generous than when I began. I want my Lent to last a lifetime.
Kathleen welcomes comments. Send them to Kathleen Choi, 1706 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo 96720, or email: kathchoi@hawaii.rr.com.
