In the season of Lent, a period of 40 days marked by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we are invited into a journey of spiritual renewal and reflection on our role in addressing the pressing social concerns of our time. This sacred time offers a unique opportunity to deepen our commitment to Catholic social teaching, guiding us to live out our faith through acts of love, justice and mercy.
Lent calls us not only to personal conversion but to turn our hearts toward the marginalized, the oppressed and the vulnerable in our society. It is a time to re-evaluate our priorities, make sacrifices and take concrete steps to embody the gospel’s call to love our neighbor as ourselves.
In this spirit, there are several initiatives and practices Catholics are encouraged to engage with during this Lenten season, reflecting our commitment to social justice and the sanctity of life.
Examination of conscience and reconciliation – Lent is a time for introspection and reconciliation, not only with God but with our global family. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Examination of Conscience in Light of Catholic Social Teaching offers a unique lens through which to reflect on our actions and attitudes toward social justice issues. This examination found online at www.usccb.org leads us to the sacrament of reconciliation, where we find God’s mercy and grace to renew our commitment to live justly and love generously.
40 Days for Life – This campaign, sponsored locally by Greater Columbus Right to Life, exemplifies the Lenten spirit of prayer and witness for the protection of unborn life. This peaceful, prayerful, and powerful witness to the dignity of human life aligns with our Lenten call to defend the most vulnerable and to walk with mothers in need of accompaniment. Participation in this campaign is a profound way to live out our faith’s pro-life teachings, reminding us of the sanctity of life at every stage. To participate, visit www.gcrtl.org/40-days-for-life.html.
CRS Rice Bowl – The CRS Rice Bowl program invites us to walk in solidarity with the poor and hungry around the world and locally. Through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we connect with our brothers and sisters in need, transforming our Lenten sacrifices into life-giving support through Catholic Relief Services, the official overseas humanitarian organization of the U.S. Catholic bishops. Engaging with a Lenten activity calendar, stories and recipes provided by CRS, we learn about global issues and are inspired to contribute to meaningful change. A 25 percent portion of donations to CRS also helps with local hunger programs in our diocese. Learn more at www.crsricebowl.org.
ARCH HOPE letters to the incarcerated – This initiative, encouraging the writing of letters to the incarcerated, reminds us of the dignity of every person, even those who have fallen short. This act of mercy breaks down barriers, offering hope and human connection to those who are often forgotten by society. It embodies the Lenten spirit of forgiveness, reconciliation and accompaniment, highlighting the power of compassion to heal and restore. To learn more, visit www.archreentry.com.
Care for God’s creation – Our Lenten journey also calls us to care for God’s creation. The Church encourages the faithful to take actionable steps toward environmental stewardship, recognizing the urgent need to protect our common home. This commitment aligns with Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ and challenges us to consider how our lifestyle choices impact the earth and the poor. Lent is a great time to pick up litter in the community and recycle or repurpose things in our homes. Visit our diocesan Care for Creation webpage for ideas at www.columbuscatholic.org/care-for-creation.
In this season of renewal, let our actions reflect our faith’s profound teachings on the dignity of human life, the importance of community and the stewardship of creation. May our Lenten journey lead us closer to the heart of the gospel, inspiring us to live out our call to love and serve, especially the least among us.
Jerry Freewalt is director of the diocesan Office for Social Concerns.
