From the Desk of Father Nathan

St Gabriel Catholic Church | Pompano Beach

A Message from Father Nathan

My dearest people who are all close to my heart!

Lots of love, blessings, and prayers to you all.

First Sunday of Lent

As we just began the season of Lent, I wanted to propose a few of the practical ways to make this a meaningful Lent. As the catechism of the Catholic Church beautifully puts it, there are three important means:

1. Prayer

2. Fasting

3. Almsgiving.

“Prayer it’s the elevation of the mind and heart to God in praise of his glory; a petition made to God for some desired good, or in thanksgiving for a good received, or in intercession for others before God. Through prayer, the Christian experiences a communion with God through Christ in the Church”.

Fasting: “Refraining from food and drink as an expression of interior penance, and imitation of the fast of Jesus for forty days in the desert. Fasting is an ascetical practice recommended in Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers; it is sometimes prescribed by a precept of the Church, especially during the liturgical season of Lent.”

Almsgiving: Money or goods given to the poor as an act of penance or fraternal charity. Almsgiving, together with prayer and fasting, are traditionally recommended to foster the state of internal peace.

Here are some practical ways we can make this Lent into a meaningful season.

1) Consider fasting from some form of noise or media this Lent. We are so uncomfortable with silence. – get comfortable with silence

2) Fast for someone particular each day. Offering your sacrifice for a specific person will bring new meaning to the Lenten fast.

3) Let your fast financially support your almsgiving. So often we give up items that are treats, perhaps, it is a weekly cup of coffee from Starbucks or an evening of entertainment. Save that money to give to a cause of your choice.

4) When you give alms, do not judge the intention of the recipient. Often time, it is easy for me to judge the people to which I am giving. I fall into a trap of wanting the poor to be deserving of my generosity.

5) Consider adding in addition to subtracting. So often we only think of what we are giving up during Lent, but the addition of spiritual practices can also be available. This Lent consider adding a devotional practice to your daily life.

God bless you all.

With lots of love and blessing.

Ever at your service.

—Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan