With Ash Wednesday almost here, I have been determined to put more forethought into the preparation of Lent. Usually, it’s not until the day OF when I think about how I to make it more meaningful. So, I’ve compiled some special “tools” to help our family on the journey to repair, remove, and/or reflect on things that can help us along the way. First, I created a weekly outline for all of us to follow. My thought is, with the boys being so little it would be easier for all of us to do the same thing so we can experience the journey as a team, and teach them along the way. Jim and I will have our own additional things we do, but I’m happy to have something we can do together too. Every evening we have “landing time” where we meet for prayers, Saint of the Day, and Liturgy readings. So, most of the Lenten group time will take place then too.
Here is the schedule that we will follow until Easter.
*Ash Wednesday-No meat, Mass
Thursday-Read Gospel reading for Sunday mass. Do something nice, thoughtful today
Friday-No Meat, Stations of the Cross and/or 1 decade of the rosary (sorrowful mysteries)
Monday- 1st Mass reading, Lenten reflection, Add a prayer (like the Anima Christi)
Tuesday-1 decade of the rosary (sorrowful mysteries), sacrifice something (TV time, sweets, etc)
Wednesday-2nd Mass reading, add a prayer (see Monday)
Thursday-Read Gospel reading for Sunday Mass, do something nice, thoughtful today
Friday-1 decade of the rosary, sacrifice.
I am praying it’s enough to introduce the boys to the richness of the season of Lent, and help them experience it at their level.
In addition to the weekly family outline, I am getting out my favorite tools for the 40 day journey too. One of them is the “Divine Mercy Chaplet in Song”. I bought the CD a few years ago and it’s such a great way to start the morning. Sometimes I’ll turn it on at 4:45am, when the roads are empty and the day is just starting. You can hear a portion here (the end of the song). It may seem repetitive, but you are reflecting on the Lord’s passion, and also his mercy so your meditating while singing.
Finally, in addition to the Bible (obvious) and other Lenten material, I am going to pick up “The Dolorous Passion”. It’s such a heavy, intense, emotional book that I have had difficulty in the past getting through it. I read it during Lent two years ago and it shook me so badly that I had to prepare myself each time I went to pick it up. I would definitely say this is another one of those “not-for-everyone” type of books. You have to be in the right place spiritually and understand what it is you are reading, the purpose, and story behind it. Even for me, some parts I had to skip over because it was so dense. Still, it’s a powerful tool and I intend to use it!:)
Well, that is our game plan and I pray that it’s by the Lord’s leading and we can make the most of this special time. I am curious, what special things do you do? It’s always nice to swap book titles, prayers, and ideas! I also ran across some good ones here. In the meantime, happy Mardi Gras…enjoy the chocolate!:)
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