Spiritual Snippet -- 2014 Lenten Makeover

After reading Extreme Makeover: Women Transformed by Christ, Not Conformed to the Culture by Catholic Radio Host Teresa Tomeo, I began to think of ways that we as Catholic Christians can participate in a 2014 Lenten Makeover.  

Lent starts tomorrow - Ash Wednesday!

Are you ready to cleanse your souls?  

Are you ready to exfoliate away your sins?  

Are you ready to manicure your heart? 

Are you ready to moisturize your mind?

Are you ready to transform your heart, mind and soul to Christ as we prepare for his Resurrection?

Lent is a time for renewal and rebirth.  
What about doing something charitable and different from your normal routine? 
Action:  Volunteer at a homeless shelter, volunteer at a food pantry, or volunteer in a parish ministry

Lent is a time to perform acts of penance - a little spiritual spring cleaning!
Why not dump out the trash and cleanse your inner soul of filth and decay? 
Action:  Experience the healing powers of the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Lent is a time of fasting.  
Along with fasting on Fridays of Lent why not eat a healthier diet?
Action:  Participate in a 40 day food challenge striving to only eat good wholesome, nutritious food. 

Lent is a time of almsgiving.  
Do you have some extra cash that you can donate to a charitable cause?
Action:  Research to see if your diocese participates in an Annual Bishop's Appeal for Catholic ministries.  Pledge an amount as a Lenten contribution.

Lent is a time of fervent and devoted prayer.  
Why not set aside extra time during the day for prayer?
Action:  Pray a prayer of Thanksgiving in the morning.  Pray a decade of the Rosary in the evening followed by an Act of Contrition before retiring for the night.

The Lenten Makeover can be totally designed to fit your own schedule and needs!  Make an effort to attend Daily Mass, if possible.  Attend a Lenten Mission at a local parish.  Watch or listen to Catholic programming.  Focus on Christ during these beautiful 40 days of renewal.

You can turn your life around in 40 days and 40 nights to become more Christ-like in your thoughts and your actions.

-J.