Lent has always been a meaningful time for me, a period to reflect and deepen my connection with God. Growing up Catholic, I understood Lent as a season of sacrifice and preparation for Easter, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to see it as so much more than that. It’s about creating space in our lives to draw closer to Him, to listen more deeply, and to align our hearts with His.
I remember a sermon I once heard that really stuck with me. The priest talked about the difference between speaking to God and speaking with God. He encouraged us to use Lent as a time to move beyond just asking for things in our prayers and instead cultivate a deeper, more intimate conversation with Him. That resonated with me, and it’s something I’ve tried to carry with me every year since.
Traditionally, Lent involves some form of sacrifice or giving up something, like sweets or social media, as a way to mirror Jesus’s 40 days in the wilderness. Others might take on acts of service or volunteer more. But the truth is, there’s no one “right” way to observe Lent. It’s not about following a set of rules but about the intention behind our actions. For me, this year looks a little different. Due to some health challenges, I won’t be able to fast or give up certain foods, but I’ve decided to dedicate extra time to prayer and reflection instead.
Lent, to me, is about authenticity and connection. It’s a reminder that faith isn’t just about what we do but about who we’re becoming. This season invites us to slow down, look inward, and let God work in the quiet spaces of our hearts. Whether through fasting, prayer, or service, the goal is the same: to grow closer to God and to live more fully in His love.
I hope this season is a meaningful one for all of us, no matter how we choose to observe it. Let’s embrace it as a time to lean in, to listen, and to let God meet us in the stillness.
