Lent is a sacred season for Christians, inviting us into a deeper relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and penance. While often seen as a time of self-denial, it is, more profoundly, a period of spiritual transformation—a call to renew our hearts and minds. Throughout history, the Church has provided us with wisdom from saints and blesseds to guide our journey through Lent. Their reflections offer powerful insights into how we can live this season authentically, embracing fasting not just as an obligation but as an opportunity for conversion.
St. Augustine: Fasting as a Life-long Commitment
St. Augustine, in his meditation on Lent, reminds us that the purpose of fasting is not simply a temporary sacrifice but a continual process of spiritual renewal. He points to the examples of Moses, Elijah, and Christ, who fasted for forty days, as a means to detach from the world and to focus on the cross. He writes, “It is true that Moses, Elijah, and Our Lord himself fasted for 40 days; but in Moses, Elijah, and Christ we are meant to see the law, the prophets, and the Gospel, and to learn from them not to cling to this present world or imitate its ways but to nail our unregenerate selves to the cross” (St. Augustine). For St. Augustine, Lent is not just about the forty days; it is about living out the message of Lent throughout our lives, “Lent is the epitome of our whole life.”
St. John Paul II: Fasting as Preparation for Spiritual Nourishment
St. John Paul II also reflects on the deeper purpose of fasting during Lent. He emphasizes that renunciation of earthly pleasures, including food, is not an end in itself but prepares the way for a deeper, interior nourishment. He says, “Renunciation of sensations, stimuli, pleasures, and even food or drink is not an end in itself. It must only, so to speak, prepare the way for deeper contents by which the interior man ‘is nourished’” (General audience, March 21, 1979). For St. John Paul II, fasting serves as a means to make space for spiritual growth, reminding us that the goal of Lent is to nourish our souls, not merely to give something up.
St. John XXIII: Sensitivity to the Suffering of Others
Pope St. John XXIII offers a powerful reminder that Lent is not only about personal penance but also about being attuned to the needs of others. In his message at the beginning of Lent, he writes, “Do not allow the enjoyment of earthly goods to make our hearts insensitive to the lament of the poor, the sick, orphaned children, and the countless brothers and sisters of ours who still today lack the minimum necessary to eat, to cover their bare limbs, to gather the family under one roof” (Radio message, Feb. 27, 1963). His words call us to be mindful of the poor and the marginalized during this season, not allowing our own comforts to dull our compassion for those who suffer.
Blessed Alvaro del Portillo: Guarding Against Temptation
Blessed Alvaro del Portillo reminds us that Lent is an urgent call to be vigilant against the snares of the evil one. He writes, “Lent is an urgent call to guard against the snares of the evil one, taking up the weapons of prayer and penance. In the words of our Father, I have often reminded you that ‘the devil does not take vacations,’ that he never ceases in his efforts to draw souls away from God” (Text of Feb. 2, 1985). His reflection urges us to take our spiritual warfare seriously during Lent, drawing closer to God through prayer and penance, recognizing that the devil does not rest in his pursuit of leading us astray.
St. Josemaría Escrivá: A Call for Personal Transformation
St. Josemaría Escrivá offers a call for personal transformation during Lent. He reminds us that this season is unique and should not be treated as a mere cyclical event but as an opportunity for a profound change. He writes, “We cannot consider this Lent as just another time, a cyclical repetition of the liturgical season. This moment is unique; it is a divine aid that must be welcomed. Jesus passes by our side and awaits from us — today, now — a great change” (from Furrow). For St. Josemaría, Lent is a divine opportunity for renewal, and it is through this season that we are called to make a lasting change in our spiritual lives.
Blessed Carlo Acutis: The Role of Confession in Conversion
Blessed Carlo Acutis, known for his deep devotion and love for the Eucharist, offers a simple yet profound insight into the role of confession in spiritual renewal. He compares the soul to a hot-air balloon, which falls when weighed down by mortal sin but rises again through the grace of confession. He says, “Our soul is like a hot-air balloon. If by chance there is a mortal sin, the soul falls to the ground. Confession is like the fire underneath the balloon enabling the soul to rise again.” (National Catholic Register). For Blessed Carlo, confession is essential to maintaining spiritual vitality and is a powerful means of conversion during Lent. He adds, “Conversion is nothing more than moving the gaze from below to above; a simple movement of the eyes is enough” (National Catholic Register). This simple shift in focus allows us to turn our hearts toward God.
The reflections of these saints and blesseds remind us that Lent is a time for more than just self-denial; it is a season for spiritual transformation. As we embrace fasting, prayer, and penance, we are called not only to turn away from sin but to turn our hearts toward God. Whether through deep personal reflection, increased sensitivity to the needs of others, or the pursuit of inner renewal, Lent offers us a unique opportunity to grow closer to Christ. Let us take up this call with sincerity and commitment, knowing that this season can be a moment of profound change in our lives.
