All other acts of penance @ Quadragesima

The point of Quadragesima is for us all to journey together in support of one another towards Christ. He is the only reason we're doing this. In the period of Lent, 26 Feb - 9 Apr 2009,
we make efforts to join our sufferings to that of the Lord.

Based on your own abilities, choose one from two or three choices for penance - prayer, fasting, abstinence and almsgiving - available (challenge yourself moderately! Muscles grow with a little strain). While you may choose to moderate, I suggest you don’t, for two reasons:

1. Since, we’re doing this together, we might as well try to do the same penance together;
2. This standardisation also means I cannot make things easier for myself.

In addition, the following three events are key to our commitment together:

1. Ash Wednesday, 25 Feb 2009
To start our journey together, we attend Ash Wednesday Mass/service in Church. Whichever parish you belong to, attend service, together with the rest of the Body of Christ. Aptly, we will begin with ash marked on our foreheads, ashamed for every sin that pinned Jesus tighter on the cross.

If you are a non-Catholic Christian: Read and meditate on Mark 1:12-15 and Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18. Ask the Lord for the focus to set your sights on Him, and the strength to resist the devil when temptations come.

2. Confession, any time during Lent
Promise to go for a good confession during our journey together.

If you are a non-Catholic Christian: On a daily basis, take note of your shortcomings at the end of each night, and promise the Lord that you’ll repent and become a better ambassador of His Name.

3. Holy Thursday, 9 Apr 2009
We end our journey together with Holy Thursday Mass/service in Church. Whichever parish you belong to, attend service, and spend time in prayer, giving thanks for all we’ve been through, and for the immeasurable love that He has already given us.

If you are a non-Catholic Christian: Read and meditate on 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and John 13:1-15. Spend some time reflecting on the reality of the suffering and death that Jesus had to go through for us in order to atone for our sins. Ask the Lord for the focus to set your sights on Him, and the strength to resist the devil when temptations come in future.