Extend the Lessons of Lent into the Summer

Colleen Mallette shares 10 ways we and our families can enrich Ordinary Time by applying the spiritual practices we took on during Lent.

From November until June (roughly), we experience a roller-coaster of emotions, events, and changes as believers that bring us closer to those who experienced Jesus first-hand and therefore brings us closer to Jesus Himself. The Church services, Scripture readings, gift-buying, and even the fasting and praying of Lent are all meant to help us appreciate our Saving God and invite Him into our inner beings and everyday life.

Advent is a beautiful season where we prepare for the joyful celebration of Jesus’ birth with gifts, family gatherings, pretty decorations, carolers, poinsettias, and glorious church services. Soon after the Christmas season ends, we transition into the season of Lent, which is more somber, quiet, reflective, and even sad as we remember the pain and suffering Jesus went through for our sakes. However, this somber season ends with an awesome celebration of life on Easter and for fifty more days of joy until the sending of the Holy Spirit on the believers at Pentecost.

Now that we have left these momentous seasons and enter Ordinary Time, as the Catholic Church calls it, how can we continue fostering closeness to God? It takes a little more individual effort since our churches won’t be sponsoring seasonal festivities, but it is very doable.

null

Here are ten suggestions for ways to enrich our spiritual lives now by building on the practices we may have taken on during the Lenten season:

Continue reading Scripture every day. Maybe even read through a whole Gospel, one chapter at a time, to remind yourself who Jesus was and what He taught His followers to do.
Read Bible stories slowly, Lectio Divina style, putting yourself into the story as a person or thing witnessing it to fully grasp the emotions, senses, and meaning of each story.
Attend a weekday Mass and/or Adoration weekly to keep the graces of receiving the Eucharist and the joy of the True Presence of Jesus closer to your heart.
Enjoy nature, especially now that summer is here, to appreciate God’s creative beauty He graces us with every day.

Pick a saint to read up on this summer and share tidbits with your children that you learn from them.
Read a book on spiritual self-help, possibly Matthew Kelly's new novel, The Rocking Chair Prophet (available from DynamicCatholic.com)
Watch the TV series The Chosen from the beginning again to appreciate the humanity yet divinity of Jesus and how beautifully He taught and treated all people.
Share the “reason for your hope” with someone new each week and invite a person to attend Mass with you once this summer.
Remember the lessons you learned from your times of sacrifice during Lent, consider continuing one of the resolutions to remind you of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus did for us.
Remember that people are watching how you live and will want the joy and peacefulness you exhibit, especially in hard times.

null

Click to tweet:
Make this Ordinary Time an extra-ordinary season in your life by being intentional in learning and seeking a better relationship with your Loving Father. #CatholicMom

We aren’t preparing for a major holiday right now, but God calls us to continue to grow closer to Him and live as His followers every day. Make this Ordinary Time an extra-ordinary season in your life by being intentional in learning and seeking a better relationship with your Loving Father.

null