A WORD FROM THE PASTOR

Spiritual Training Camp for Lent

Jesus prepared himself for his ministry by a period of fasting, praying, and strengthening himself against temptation. How will we use the time of Lent for our spiritual training camp?

Lent is a time to practice the use of God’s word as our defensive weapon against offense of the devil. Our real concern today should not be how to get the devil out of us, but how to keep him out in the first place. Lent is the time to keep the devil from entering us. We see Jesus was confronted by the devil, but Jesus refused to allow the devil to come into his life.

What methods can we employ as a defense against the offenses of the devil to keep him out? What spiritual training plans will we put into practice during Lent? Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are traditional.

Here are some suggestions to get us started in this Lent:

First Week, I will . . . spend some time reading the Gospels or the Psalms.
Second Week, I will . . . fast from foods, unhealthy for body and soul.
Third Week, I will . . . volunteer at nursing homes or day care centers.
Fourth Week, I will . . . learn a few lines of Scripture by heart.
Fifth Week, I will . . . give clothes, money, or possessions to the poor.
Sixth Week, I will . . . participate in Holy Week liturgies.