As we approach the beginning of Lent, reflecting on this Sunday’s Gospel about the leper who wishes to be made clean is good preparation for us. We may ask ourselves: In what ways do we need Jesus’ help to be “made clean”? A helpful Lenten prayer may be “A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit” (Psalm 51:12). Then our Easter joy will reflect Jesus’ promise in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8).
With Ash Wednesday on February 14, we have quite a few Lenten resources to share. You may use some in preparation for Lent, as Lent begins, and throughout the season:
Seeds: Lent Begins (English and Spanish)
Promise: What Jesus Asks Us to Do in Lent (English and Spanish)
Good News: Let’s Learn About Lent
Good News: What Is Lent All About?
Venture: Get Your Lenten Facts Together
Venture: Grade Yourself This Lent
Visions: What Is Lent All About?
Visions: A Quiz for Champions at the Beginning of Lent
Visions: Analogies for Lent
Catholic Culture: A Prayer Service for Ash Wednesday
Catholic Culture: Lenten Fast and Abstinence
Catholic Culture: Why Ashes on Ash Wednesday?
Check Lesson Updates regularly.
Image credit: Valérie BAERISWYL/CIRIC