This video is from a couple of years ago, but it does a lot to help encourage deeper thinking about Lent and the meaning of the season.

I just came into the Catholic Church last Easter, so this is my first Lent as a baptized Catholic.

As we enter these next 40 days, it’s vital that we Christians recognize this time is about far more than round 2 of New Years resolutions.

Lent mirrors Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, preparing him for his public ministry. The goal? To break free from attachments and prepare for Easter with a renewed heart and soul.

“We can become blasé about the Resurrection—we hear about it every year. Lent is about making sure we’re truly ready for it.”

The Three Pillars of Lent: Prayer, Fasting, & Almsgiving

Prayer: Raising the Mind and Heart to God

Lent is the perfect time to deepen your prayer life. Whether it’s attending daily Mass, picking up the rosary again, or simply spending 15 minutes in silent adoration, the goal is to intentionally seek communion with God.

“Find that rosary buried in a drawer somewhere and use it. Lent is a time to reintroduce yourself to forgotten devotions.”

Looking for something simple? Try the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Repeat it as a rhythm throughout your day.

Fasting: More Than Hunger Pains

Fasting isn’t just about skipping meals—it’s about detachment from anything that controls you. The modern world is full of distractions and indulgences that drown out our deeper desires for God.

“If you’re sated all the time by sensual pleasure, you can forget what your soul really longs for.”

Bishop Barron challenges us: What’s dominating your life? Maybe it’s food, social media, or entertainment. Fasting from anything that’s taken over your attention can help reset your spiritual focus.

Almsgiving: The Most Overlooked Pillar

Prayer and fasting prepare the heart, but almsgiving puts faith into action. The idea? Make a concrete act of love and generosity. And no, it doesn’t have to be just writing a check.

“Try tipping your waiter an extra 5% or carrying loose cash to give to someone in need—no questions asked.”

Other creative ways to give alms:

• Put a “poor box” in your home and drop in change daily.
• When making a purchase, buy the less expensive option and donate the difference.
• Give up a luxury (fancy coffee, premium subscriptions) and redirect that money to charity.

Lent is a Gift

If done right, Lent isn’t about deprivation—it’s about transformation. It’s an opportunity to reset, refocus, and prepare for the greatest event in human history: the Resurrection.

So this year, let’s not just “give up chocolate.” Let’s make Lent count.