The Sunday Before Lent: A Journey of Love, Not Rules

As we stand on the threshold of Lent, it's easy to get caught up in what we should give up or what rules we should follow. But this season isn't about deprivation or rigid adherence to regulations. It's about something far more profound: understanding the depth of God's love for us.

God's Infinite Mercy

Consider this parable: A priest walking through a park encounters a murderer who confesses his intention to kill him. The priest, in his final moments, asks for a drink of water, which the murderer provides before taking his life. Years later, when the murderer dies, angels of hell come to claim his soul. But the priest appears and intervenes, arguing that the man confessed his sin and gave drink to someone who was thirsty—he gave drink to Christ himself.

This story illustrates something remarkable: God's love and mercy exceed our human understanding. We cannot fathom the depths of divine compassion. This Lenten season is not about earning God's favor through our actions—it's about opening ourselves to receive the love that's already freely given.

Fast from What Comes Out, Not What Goes In

Rather than focusing solely on dietary restrictions, this Lent, consider fasting from the things that truly separate us from God and each other:

Fast from anger — Let go of resentment and irritation that poison our hearts
Fast from jealousy — Cease comparing ourselves to others and coveting what they have
Fast from pride — Humble ourselves before God and one another
Fast from gluttony — Not just of food, but of consumption in all its forms

These are the fasts that truly transform us, that open our hearts to experience God's presence in our daily lives.

A Simple Daily Prayer Rule

To anchor this Lenten journey, adopt this three-part daily prayer practice:

Morning: Acknowledge His Presence

When your eyes first open, before any other thought enters your mind:

"Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Be with me today."

Tell God that you know He's there. Acknowledge that the day ahead may be challenging, and that you rely on Him. This simple act sets the tone for your entire day.

Midday: Express Gratitude

Before you eat, while your stomach is still empty:

"Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Thank you, Lord, for this day."

Express gratitude for something specific. It might be the warmth of the sun, a kind word from a friend, or simply the gift of another day. Let thankfulness fill your heart before you fill your stomach.

Evening: Seek Forgiveness

As your head hits the pillow:

"Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Forgive me, a sinner."

Let God know about your day. Confess where you fell short. Release the burdens you've carried. Without Him, we can do nothing; with Him, all things are possible.

Grace for the Journey

This prayer rule sounds simple, but it will be challenging. You will forget. You'll go days without remembering. And that's okay. When you realize you've forgotten, simply start again. God doesn't want perfection—He just wants us to be. He wants us to turn toward Him, again and again, in all our brokenness and humanity.

Seeing Christ in Others

As we journey through Lent, remember: when you see people, you see Christ. There is no other way to truly live this season. It's impossible to experience the depth of God's love while harboring judgment in our hearts. Every person you encounter carries the divine image. Every interaction is an opportunity to give drink to the thirsty, to clothe the naked, to visit the imprisoned—to encounter Christ himself.

This Lent, may we embrace not a season of rules, but a season of love. May we fast from the things that separate us from God and each other. May we pray simply and honestly, morning, noon, and night. And may we discover, in the midst of it all, just how deeply we are loved.

Lord have mercy. Be with us on this journey.