Sacrifice and Solidarity

Lent is a time of increased prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Paragraph 1438 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that: “The seasons and days of penance in the course of the liturgical year (Lent, and each Friday in memory of the death of the Lord) are intense moments of the Church’s penitential practice. These times are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal sharing (charitable and missionary works).” Many Catholics “give up” one or more specific things during the Lenten season as penance. Though they may seem trite, these penances are meaningful to the persons undergoing them. These penances can bring us into greater solidarity with those who are suffering close to us and those who are suffering far away.

People living in affluent societies do not realize how accustomed they are to excess. Giving up simple pleasures such as chocolate, soda, or social media can be very difficult. Some people never go without and so when the time comes for sacrifice, they are tested. These small tests can bring us into greater solidarity with our suffering brothers and sisters across the world and social and economic classes. In some small way, as we wish for that chocolate bar that we enjoy so much, we can be drawn to remember how others suffer daily. The “space” that our sacrifices free up in our lives can also bring us closer to our loved ones as we pray for them and perhaps even offer up our suffering for them.

As you are led into the desert of Lent, let yourself feel the thirst of whatever you gave up. Let youdesert with flowersrself long for more. That emptiness is meant to draw you into dependence on God and it can also allow you to focus more on charity. Open your eyes to the ways you can better serve your family and friends. Not having those things that you enjoy so much could remind you to pray for people who are suffering in a much larger way. Some choose to more freely give alms to a charitable organization, perhaps the money they save by not buying a $4 coffee each day. Others might be led to be give of themselves by volunteering at a homeless shelter or at meals. The time that you are not spending on social media could be used to reach out to a person who is lonely. However your penance draws you, let yourself be drawn to a higher level of giving to others.

Let the difficulty of your Lenten practices pull you into closer relationship with God and also into greater solidarity with suffering people. Sacrifice has a way of stripping us of our selfishness. As you sacrifice, let yourself be drawn to give more to those who suffer every day. How will you give more fully of yourself this Lent to those who are suffering–in your own circles and throughout the world?

Lianna Mueller

Lianna Mueller

Lianna is a case manager for refugees in Ohio. Becoming "the best version of herself" and inspiring others to do the same is her aim. She enjoys writing, learning about other cultures, and trying to pick up other languages.

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