Prayer, Almsgiving, and Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Beyond

Today we start the season of Lent, a time of emphasis on spiritual practices.  The Great Commandment can be an excellent guide to the spiritual practices of Lent: "You shall love the Lord your God with your heart, mind, and soul and your neighbor as yourself."

We are to love God.  Prayer helps define our relationship to God.

We are to love our neighbor.  The giving of alms and other support to the poor shows our love for our neighbor.

We are to love ourselves.  Fasting is an excellent discipline to help us get more in touch with ourselves.

During this Lenten season, I encourage you to pay attention to your spiritual disciplines.