Our Top 10 Tips for a Good Lent

by Jael SC · March 4, 2017

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1. Cut out indifference
This is Pope Francis’ challenge to us this Lent: that through prayer, charity and humility before God, people receive a heart which is firm and merciful, attentive and generous, a heart which is not closed, indifferent or prey to the globalisation of indifference. In short: Don’t be selfish but have empathy for the suffering, problems and needs of others.

2. Dump the snacks
Lent is a time of fasting. It’s all very well giving up chocolate, but no good if we stuff our faces with potato chips instead. Our Lenten sacrifice allows for no substitutes. Put the money that you would have spent into a jar, and donate the savings to a charity.

3. Take on a good habit
We are called not only to sacrifice bad habits and things we love, but also to take on good traits we don’t love. For example, instead of hooting at the driver who’s trying to cut in, create a gap for him.

4. Switch off the TV for the Bible
Cut out a certain period of time every day Pope Francis recommends 10-15 minutes from your TV watching or gaming to spend time with God’s word. Don’t just read the Bible; try to understand it. But don’t look at the time: God doesn’t charge by the minute.

5. Repair damaged relationships
We all have lingering hurts from some relationships. Pray over these and find forgiveness for those who have hurt you, and seek forgiveness from those whom you have wronged. Call that aunt you have not spoken to for six years!

6. No gossiping
I am convinced that if each one of us would purposely avoid gossip, at the end, we would become a saint, Pope Francis said last year. This Lent, and beyond, follow that path.

7. Give praise to God and to others
We like to be praised for jobs well done, but do we issue praise to others? Do we give thanks for things we take for granted? For the next forty days, make it a point to commend your family, friends, colleagues even neighbours or service providers for what they have done for you. And thank God for them. Remember: To praise others is to praise God.

8. Give away your junk
As fleamarkets prove, your junk is another person’s treasure. Search your house every day to find things you don’t really need and donate them to a charity shop.

9. Go on a carbon fast
Cut down your carbon footprint during Lent and beyond by becoming aware of how your lifestyle affects the environment. Don’t drive when you don’t need to; don’t buy plastic bags when you go shopping; don’t leave lights on unnecessarily, and so on.

10. Stop moaning
It’s easy to complain and moan about all kinds of things. Yet there’s always somebody who’d rather be in your shoes. When you have an impulse to complain, turn your mind to God and thank him for what you have. Do everything without arguing or complaining (Phil 2:14).