The True Meaning of Freedom
When I was under 16, I was really keen to turn 18 and be an adult. I thought of adulthood as total freedom: You can drink, drive and travel as far as you want. However, I was disappointed pretty much as soon as my 18th birthday was over. Nothing special was happening. Except that there were more and more responsibilities. And what was worse: I moved away from home for my college studies! |
But now I see that that's the point of Lent. We say No. We deny ourselves. I'll say NO to something I like in this world. Instead, I will search for Spiritual Food and get closer to God and the that which is truly GOOD.
Preparing for Lent
This Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Ash Wednesday reminds me that we are not of this world, as life here goes from ashes to ashes. So just start renouncing all that we worry about, and God will help us to carry on. His yoke is easy to carry and his burden is light, while this world can’t give us the Peace that He gives. Lent goes on for 40 days. And for me the worst day of the year is Good Friday, when Jesus died for us. Here's a calendar pic from Catholic-link to make Lent easier to keep track of. By preparing one in spirit during Lent can help us better to understand our divine Lover, how he died for us and how he loves us. |
What to do?
Here are some further ideas that I can share with you: you might want to forget chocolate for all of Lent, not use Instagram or not eat any bread during Lent. I will also try to assist at Mass as much as possible, pray the Stations of the Cross, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and the 15 prayers of Saint Bridget (it helps me to contemplate the Passion). The Sacraments help us to grow in faith and it's also good to ask a spiritual guide or priests for help. I think having a prayer plan is the best. | More resourcesIf you would like more ideas, I recommend the following links: |
About the author
Yiran, or Maria Micaela. Born in China as a Protestant Christian but baptised in Spain (2015), being the only Catholic in the family. I came to Turku as an Erasmus exchange student and I stayed for my MSc studies. I'm also a participant of the Youth Weekends at Stella Maris. Cooking, running and photography are my hobbies. |