Deacon and Kyle talk this week about getting ready for a classically Catholic Lent. Join as we converse about the wisdom of the classical Lenten devotions to pray, fast, and gives alms.
Show Notes and Outline of Topics
Quote from Pope St. John Paul the Great, Lenten Message 2003
"The Son of God loved us first, while "we were yet sinners", with an unconditional love which asks nothing in return. If this is so, how can we fail to see the season of Lent as a providential opportunity to make courageous decisions inspired by altruism and generosity? Lent offers us the practical and effective weapons of fasting and almsgiving as a means of combating an excessive attachment to money. Giving not only from our abundance, but sacrificing something more in order to give to the needy, fosters that self-denial which is essential to authentic Christian living. Strengthened by constant prayer, the baptized reveal the priority which they have given to God in their lives. The love of God poured into our hearts ought to inspire and transform who we are and what we do. Christians must not think that they can seek the true good of their brothers and sisters without embodying the charity of Christ..."
Click here for Kyle's reflection on Lent in the Economy of Salvation.
1. Lenten Joy
ּ• allow Lent to wound us to be drawn in by the Lord
• arriving at Easter ready to FEAST!
• traditional Lenten observance: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving
• Ash Wednesday starts Lenten contemplation
2. Thinking about Words Deeply: Contemplating Lent
• etymology of Lent: spring
• sacramental vision: the natural patterns of spring signify the spiritual call of Lent
• rediscover the joy of eternal life, the treasures of the spiritual life
• preparing for a good death: the role of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving
• the tension of Lent: doing what pleases versus seeking joy; the tension to be in the world but not of the world
• Lent originally was a season to prepare for the renewal of our baptismal promises
• begin Lent before it starts, ask the Holy Spirit to be a part of planning; it's not about showing off but showing up
3. Contemplating Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
• the warning on Ash Wednesday: don't celebrate Lent like the hypocrites
• be led by the Spirit, following the Lenten example of Jesus
• the spiritual life should not feel like the world feels
• avoid acedia (sloth) this lent through the classical principle of multum non multa: much of one not many
• Lent is not about proving to God how much we love him, but allowing God to reveal to us how much he loves us!
• defining and contemplating prayer, fasting, and almsgiving
La Bonne Vie is a podcast offering from John Paul the Great Academy dedicated to discussing the joys, triumphs, struggles, and issues with boldly living out our Catholic, classical mission in Acadiana through vibrant family lives.
Our theme music, "Vive La Bonne Vie," is by L'Angelus.
