It is hard to believe that the Lenten season is only a couple of weeks away.

In the Catholic Liturgical Calendar, there are four Liturgical seasons: Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, and Lent. Currently, the Church is in Ordinary Time, but we are quickly approaching Lent.

Ash Wednesday, which is February 18, is the start of this especially important season. The Lenten season lasts from Ash Wednesday to the start of what is known as the Easter Triduum, which begins on the evening of Holy Thursday. Lent is more than just a season that leads to Easter; it is an invitation to break free from all the things of this world that hinder spiritual growth.

Lent is a time to reflect on our lives and to focus on God’s loving mercy. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are the three pillars of Lent in the Catholic Church.

Prayer is communication with God, and during the Lenten season, it should be more intentional. It is adding to our daily routine. This can include reading Scripture, praying the Stations of the Cross, praying the Rosary, attending Mass more frequently, meditating on Christ’s passion, downloading and praying with devotional apps such as Hallow, and reading religious books or devotionals.

The goal of prayer is to build our relationship with Jesus and become even closer to him.

Fasting requires self-discipline, and it helps believers detach from the comforts of this world to focus on our dependence on God. Everything we have and everything we are is a gift from Him.

Lent lasts for 40 days, not counting Sundays (every Sunday is a celebration of God’s resurrection, so the 40 days does not include Sundays during Lent). These 40 days imitate Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. Fasting during Lent looks different for each person.

Many Christians choose to give up something meaningful, such as a favorite food, habit, or pastime. Catholics ages 18 to 59 are required to a strict fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which means that only one full meal and two small meals that are more like nutritious snacks should be consumed on these days.

Also, Catholics who are 14 and older are required to abstain from meat on Fridays. The Catholic Church upholds these traditions with the hope that it will encourage the faithful to unite their sufferings, no matter how big or small, to that of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Almsgiving and fasting are closely tied to each other. Our fasting should help lead us to acts of charity. As we reflect on where we need to make changes in our lives, we also need to reflect on how we are being the hands and feet of Jesus to the world around us.

Just as our fasting during Lent should not be easy, neither should our acts of charity. We can never outgive the generosity of God. Instead of just giving from our excess during Lent, it is a time to go deeper. This giving should be a sacrifice. Almsgiving is the best way to help alleviate the suffering of the poor.

At St. Thomas Aquinas, we have a special outreach every year during Lent. In the past, our Lenten projects have included Mary’s Meals, CRS Rice Bowls, Sister Water Project, and Hands of Christ.

This year, our outreach program is called “Lighting the Fire of Faith.” We have a group of sisters from Tanzania known as the Holy Spirit Sisters who have been with us for a number of years. Currently, the sisters in Webster City work and minister at Southfield and Crestview Care Centers.

The Holy Spirit sisters are in several countries doing missionary work. “Lighting the Fire of Faith” will support newly formed sisters and lay catechists as they are trained to go out into the world to evangelize and share God’s love.

Ultimately, Lent is a preparation for Easter, the most important Holy Day for all Christians.

Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, Christians are focusing on a conversion of heart. It is dying to sin and rising to new life with Christ. It is a 40-day journey toward a new beginning, a life devoted more to Christ.

The sacrifices of Lent give way to the joy of Easter, where Christians everywhere celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior!

This Lent, focus on changes that can be made in your life: changes that will help you grow more in love with Jesus.

Dan Hurt is the deacon for the Saint Thomas Aquinas and Saint Mary’s Catholic churches in Webster City and Williams.