Can your Lenten sacrifices benefit the country?

Yesterday morning I was on Morning Air to discuss something that’s been on my mind, what with Lent starting next week (yes, already!) and the continued division in the United States. Recently I realized it’s actually hard to think back to a time when this country wasn’t this way.

Anyway, what do Lent and the state of affairs in America have to do with each other? Well, it made me wonder, could we direct some of the intentions of our Lenten sacrifices to the betterment of the peace, happiness, and culture of this country and its inhabitants? That’s what we talked about, which you can listen to here.

I also added in the need to prayer for the future of the church and its leaders in this country, because I believe - as maybe you do, too - that the Church has the answers. For “human flourishing,” as they say. For what drives the human spirit, and can lead us back to sanity, if we want it.

Regarding Lent, my own goals are to give up all sweets, per usual, except on Sundays. I also recently learned that Bishop Barron has a really lovely night prayer, which I wlll add to the end of my day. Remember for whatever you are giving up, whenever you “feel” it - the hunger pain, the self-control not to gossip, the lack of new clothes bought, and so on - offer that up to God. Perhaps for peace, stability, and a return to some semblance of moral organization in this country (or your own, if you’re abroad).