It’s encouraging to see so many people show up in churches on Ash Wednesday, the fact remains that it’s difficult for busy people to find the time to use the Lenten season well to grow spiritually.
We mean well. But as Jesus tells us, “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” (Mt. 26:41).
That said, there are plenty of quick, easy and free online opportunities to help us grow in our faith during Lent – and many of them remain available to us all through the year.
We can’t possibly list them all. In fact, a Google search for “online opportunities to grow in Lent” yielded 8.9 million results. So let’s focus on a few from credible sources – and if you feel you want to explore more options, do a Google search of your own.
You can start on our website by downloading our free Study for the Joy of the Gospel and taking a look at the 10 options we list on our Daily Bread page – including two apps for your phone.
If you’re looking for some special reading and reflection, we especially recommend Pope Francis’ 2016 Lenten message. In the spirit of its focus – mercy – it’s only four pages long.
You can also check the 10 Ways to Have a Great Lent featured on the Kennedy Brownrigg Group’s site.
Among its noteworthy resources is a site of special interest to parents -- packed with Lenten activities for kids.
Of course, if you’re looking at Lent this year as a good time to step back from all the technology that’s taking over our lives, you could opt to participate in daily Mass at the church of your choice.