2nd Sunday of Lent: Depravity

Two popular questions abound this time of year for me:

1. "What did you give up for Lent?"
2. "Why would you want to give something up for Lent?"
3. "What the heck is Lent?"

This Lent, I gave up Facebook. I look at that and realize how amazingly petty it seems, but it is also amazing how much that website is intertwined with my life. Being without Facebook has disconnected me from a lot of people, but I do believe it is good for me.

I have chosen to sacrifice something I enjoy in my daily life for 40 days, not just because it is customary for Catholics to do so, but because it draws me nearer to God! (Well, that's actually the reason why it is a Catholic custom.)

A popular misconception among non-Catholics about this practice of self-deprivation is that it somehow gains us more "points" with God or makes Him love us more. This is most certainly a dangerous and damaging misconception.

Giving up an activity or a particular thing that we enjoy serves to turn our eyes toward God. Anytime we feel a desire for that particular thing, we think of God! Resisting the temptation to engage in that activity that we enjoy trains us to turn our eyes toward God when other temptations arise - including temptations that may be sinful. This is a most appropriate training to undergo in Lent, when we are constantly mindful of our depravity and look toward the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord as our only hope.

A more important question, perhaps, is
"What are you doing to grow closer to God this Lent?"
This is what Lent is about, after all!
This Lent, I am doing the main prayers of the Liturgy of the Hours - Lauds, Vespers, and Compline, every day, as well as reading a couple devotional books.

Lauds - Known as "Morning Prayer," is the very first thing I do when I open my eyes in the morning. It serves to praise God for the new day, to consecrate the day to the Lord, and affirm my desire to do His work.
Vespers - Known as "Evening Prayer," is said in the late afternoon or evening. It serves to re-focus my eyes on God as the day winds down.
Compline - Known as "Night Prayer," is the last thing I do before lying down for bed. It is a time for reflection on the day - where I did God's work and where I turned away from God - and a time to ask God to be with me through the night. This is an especially comforting prayer.

In short, Lent is a time to put special focus on growing closer to God, increasing our desire to do his will throughout the year. This is always a good thing.

"Lord our God, you formed man from the clay of the earth and breathed into him the spirit of life, but he turned from your face and sinned. In this time of repentance we call out for your mercy. Bring us back to you and to the life your son won for us by his death on the cross, for he lives and reigns for ever and ever."

-Concluding prayer from today's Morning Prayer