A Better Way to Choose Something for Lent

Do your Lenten practices feel arbitrary? Do your penances seem ineffective? If you're feeling this way, you might be wondering, "what do you want from me this Lent, God?"

You might hear the answer as you receive cruciform ashes on your forehead this Ash Wednesday: "Repent, and believe in the Gospel."

Fr. Mark-Mary wants you to transform your Lent with one simple idea: repentance. There is a better way to do this, and it's not complicated. We hope you have a blessed Lent this year!

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[marcielowder]

I don’t usually give something up for Lent instead I take something in. This year I am struggling with forgiveness with my ex son-in-law so I am going to pray for him everyday during Lent. I am also going to pray that I can forgive him for some very bad things he has done to my daughter and grandchildren.

[GreenBeeGal]

I am not Catholic but I am doing a 40 day detox from sugar. I've replaced God with food and food comforts. And dedicate more time to prayer.

[Carolem]

I’m giving up soda, praying the Rosary more often, and praying various podcasts throughout the day.

[AuroraB-]

I'm to give up complaining and I will need a LOT of help!

[bekind]

This Lent, I am asking Jesus to make me be more like him. 🛐🕊❤️🙏

[MrRVCalypso]

“Repent and believe in the Good News”. Thanks Father for bringing to focus the need for repentance to be rooted in the GOOD NEWS.

[coffeewiththegoose]

Remember, it’s all about repenting, not pleasing ourselves.

[homes]

I'm going to try and read the whole Diary of St. Faustina

[jnkelley]

Lasy year I gave up social media for Lent in order to cut down on the noise that distracts from God. I also stopped taking my phone to bed. It was a good Lent practice that I intend to repeat this year.

[lilaclion]

I thank God for answering my prayer to help me take better care of myself so I can help others more. He helped me give up alcohol, sugar and processed foods. I’m halfway to my weight goal. For Lent, I will incorporate saying the rosary at least once a day, praying for others, doing for others as best I can.

[RanMouri]

It's encouraging to see folks in the comments being thoughtful about their Lenten practices.

[CedarRose]

I'm giving up watching law youtubers and anything to do with politics/world/culture war. Anything that's not life-giving and distracting. Still have to choose a prayer and almsgiving idea. So thanks for this video, this will be my first year doing lent as I am a new Catholic

[annemarieelizabethrosevolo]

I REALLY NEED, to spend much more time in PRAYER and in BIBLE STUDY.

[fernthaisetthawatkul]

i think of it this way- the thing i LEAST want to let go of, the thing i'm making all sorts of excuses for, is the thing i KNOW the Lord is telling me to give up! it's all about Him, not what we want!

[cindyb]

For years I have offered the rosary daily for a different person or intention and for the children preparing for first Eucharist at our church. It has helped me to be more intentional in my prayer time.

[TheFunfolks]

Thank you, Fr. Mark Mary.... I will meditate on one of the Beautitudes each day during Lent....
Pray for these Intentions 🙏🙏🙏

[minimaxmiaandme.]

Frustration and anger, what is the made me think! The source, I believe, is too much time on the internet looking at YouTube, news and other channels that ignite my fear of what is happening in this world. I am giving the computer up for Lent with the exception of absolutely necessary things(Catechism and Bible with Father Mike). I will replace it with walks in nature, baking, reading, relaxing projects at home and time with friends.

[mariapepper]

We must walk the Way of the Cross. Our lives should imitate the life of Christ. 🙏❤🙏

[マリー-vp]

Oh made me understand lent on a deeper level than just giving up sweets or coffee. I appreciate it.

[ashleypagan]

Hi Father! You might remember my family when I was growing up 😆 I’m Ashley, my big sister was Marife, and my parents were Maria and Boris 💛