Lent is almost over, what have we learned?

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We have had increased sacrifice, almsgiving, and prayer. Now
lent is almost over, and I’d like to know if anyone has discovered
anything that they didn’t realize before. Has this lent helped you
get closer to God? Has this lent made you think of something
new, or has it just been a period of suffering to “get through”?
Has anyone made any “resolutions” for next lent?
 
Extra prayer has absolutely enriched my life … I do feel closer to God.

As for new discoveries … I think it’s been more about rediscovering or discovering more deeply, since the essentials are timeless and deep down we really do all know them and just need either to get back in touch or broaden our knowledge of them a little. 👍

Have a blessed Holy Week everyone! :highprayer: :crossrc:
 
I discovered that I need to work harder and make my Lent more meaningful and spiritual. I feel like I just went through the motions this year, but I do have a lot of personal stuff going on to distract me. No excuse, I know, but learning that I need to do better.

😊

~Liza
 
I’ve learned how God will help us stick to our sacrifices. I learned a lot about the seeds of Abraham-thanks to EWTN mini series by Fr Mitch. I have seen how shallow I can be at times-my comfort zone. I have gotten closer to Our Lord. I am more greatful for my blessings and graces. I am more joyful about my Catholic Faith.
 
I’ve learned that the more ambitious I am in my Lenten sacrifices, the easier it is to follow through with all of them.

In years past I would “give up” something for Lent, and typically fail after a week or two. This year, in addition to my normal sacrifice, I also made an effort to get to mass every day and to attend Eucharistic Adoration at least twice a week. I am happy to announce that this year I have been rather successful!
 
From one experience, I have learned to trust in the Lord. I still need to pray for this.

Yesterday, my computer was broken, the hard disk can no longer be read. Some sort of bad segments; Opertaing system files were missing. My websites were down and broken. I was calm and prayed the Lord and tried to trust Him.

Miracalously, when I got home from work, I was looking for a my Window XP pro to install the PC again, when I started up the computer, I went smootly. At the same time, the tech got all my websites back online. 🙂

Another thing, I am able to go to mass every day and see the greatest gift I receive at the Mass - His Body and Blood. So, I should go to mass no matter how hectic my day at work is.

Praise the Lord.

Other few things, but they are too personnal to share. 🙂
 
I’ve been learning to suffer in silence. I am the biggest crybaby bigmouth when it comes to suffering. I have made some progress (though the grace of God), but I have a long way to go.
 
A lot, a lot. This Lent I’ve learnt more than I’ve been able to figure out so far.
 
cheeto1 said:
We have had increased sacrifice, almsgiving, and prayer. Now
lent is almost over, and I’d like to know if anyone has discovered
anything that they didn’t realize before. Has this lent helped you
get closer to God? Has this lent made you think of something
new, or has it just been a period of suffering to “get through”?
Has anyone made any “resolutions” for next lent?
Click to expand...
As an RCIA Candidate, my view of Lent is one of preperation. This includes the 40 days fast (“God is more important then three square meals a day”), prayer (“God is more important then TV and movies”) and almsgiving (“If I haven’t worn an item of clothing for several years, why is it still in my closet? Pass it on to the poor who need it.”)
 
I have learned alot on my journey thru Lent. I’ve learned how to pray the rosary, not just say the words. I have learned to pray constantly as well. I have learned about love thru our Lord. My kiddos are learning too. They take note when i’m praying. They come and sit with me and we pray whether it’s the rosary or another form. We have been working on our Mary garden and they are looking forward to that too. 🙂
 
what I learned this Lent
the tuna steaks in the aluminum packets are okay, but way too much sodium, but the salmon filets are terrible.

Stouffers mac and cheese is still delicious but raises blood sugar

you can read the same Cycle A readings every year for Lent and find something new in them every time.

chili made with soy crumbles rather than real beef is a loser, forget the “meat” and just use beans

If someone hands you even one piece of Easter Candy before Sunday, it will trigger massive carb cravings–better abstain all the way.

RCIA candidates are some of the most beautiful people on earth and if you spend time with them they will teach you the real meaning of our Faith.
 
I’ve described this Lenten season to a couple of people as my “Angry Lent”. At first, I couldn’t figure out what was going on with me, as Lent is usually a time of growth and peace within me. But this Lent has been different.

I have gotten to the point that I understand somewhat that in order to grow even further spiritually I must confront the things that are holding me back. These include (but aren’t limited to :o ) frustration with some Church teachings; anger at situations in my life; frustrations of where I am at in my life; and the general feeling that I have no control over anything.

As Lent has progressed, instead of the unsettled feeling I had because I felt these things, I now realize that this is the area I need to devote my attention to. It’s not going to be resolved overnight but with prayer and discernment I will be able to continue my walk with a clearer mind and more peaceful spirit.

Great question to ask! It forced me to focus on what was happening.
 
A new recipe for Tuna sandwiches 🙂
And on a more serious note…I momorized the Anima Christi prayer…something I’v wanted to do for a long time.
That Jesus waits for me in the blessed sacrament and I can’t wait to receive him at every mass!
And…Gods mercy endures forever and ever!:love: :signofcross:
 
Hi Cheeto and everyone. Good topic and interesting replys.

I just returned to the Church in December '06 after 35 years, so this year is the first time I’ve focused on lent as an adult.

I’ve found myself thinking of how Mary must have felt during her son’s last week. And, I can’t imagine how our Lord must have felt, knowing what was to come.

So that is what I’ve learned I suppose. That the cross I must bear in this life must be like a bag of feathers compared to the suffering of Jesus that last week.

And the things I find to pout about are nothing compared to Mary’s sorrow.

God Bless,
Charles
 
I_Believe said:
I just returned to the Church in December '06 after 35 years, so this year is the first time I’ve focused on lent as an adult.

God Bless,
Charles
Click to expand...
Same for me. I was away from the Church for 26 years and came back last May.

I had all sorts of plans and intentions for Lent, but those changed when we found out my aunt had pancreatic cancer. With the help of Hospice my aunt was able to remain at home, and I spent the first three weeks of Lent living with my mom to help care for my aunt, and I was alone with her when she died.

I learned that caring for my aunt was a form of prayer, and it was a privilege to be able to care for her in her last weeks. Her illness also showed me what is really important in life. In the end the only things that mattered to her were her relationships with family members. It reminded me that perhaps I need to work on strengthening some relationships with other members of my family.

My aunt believed in God, but did not belong to a church and refused to speak with the hospice minister. I am so grateful that God called me back to the Catholic Church last year. I spent a lot of time praying for my aunt and it helped me to accept her death.
 
I’ve learned how the lights on the outside of the confessional work. Anytime I’ve ever been before, there was either no confessional (penance service) or a line so that you just watched for the person coming out, not the lights.

I’ve learned that it’s OK to be a little hungry - that the world won’t end. I’ve learned that just because something is there, I don’t have to eat it.

I developed a greater appreciation for the Stations of the Cross.

I am SO looking forward to the celebrations of the Triduum. First time for that.
 
I’ve learned a deeper understanding of the intercession of the Saints, how Christ is timeless through their writings. Tim
 
I’m still trying to think about what I’ve learned, I love reading what
everyone has to say.
 
Fish doesn’t agree with me anymore.

It’s very easy to read through the New Testament.

Picking Bible reading as Lenten practice was a good idea.

I can refrain completely from soda and sweets during the week as long as I am able to have them in small amounts on the weekends.

Lent can go by slow and fast all at the same time.

Easter Vigil will always be my favorite Mass.

That I seem to be a permanent desert in faith but while it gets to me and quite a bit lately (I have a post on this) because I know no other way I keep going.

And yet it doesn’t seem like a very productive Lent at all for me.
 
What ever moral achievement I make is Christ working in and through me, and is not a product of my strength alone…For I am relatively weak, and can do nothing on my own.
 
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