It is easy for us to grow complacent. The longer we walk through life, the more we risk taking things for granted and missing opportunities for deeper growth. The liturgical seasons in the Church are one example. We arrive at Ash Wednesday, and we already know the usual answers to the question, “What are you giving up for Lent?”—chocolate, alcohol, takeaways, and so on.
There is nothing wrong with making sacrifices, but if that becomes the extent of our reflection, we risk missing the true invitation of Lent. As Pope Francis reminds us in his Lenten message, this season is not simply about what we give up, but about how we journey—with God and with one another. It is a time of conversion, where we are called to leave behind what holds us back and step forward in faith, trusting in the hope that Christ offers us.
This call to journey together is especially significant as we approach the 2025 Year of Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope. In Scripture, the Exodus journey was not just about leaving Egypt—it was about walking in trust toward the Promised Land. In the same way, Lent invites us to ask: Am I moving forward in my faith, or am I standing still? Am I journeying with others, or am I walking alone?
Lent is not just a personal test of willpower—it is a pilgrimage of hope. It calls us to support one another, to renew our trust in God’s mercy, and to recognise that He is not asking us to prove our strength, but to open our hearts to His grace.
So this Lent, instead of simply choosing something to give up, how about we go a little further in our reflection? Where is God calling us to journey? How can we grow in faith, hope, and love—together?
These questions and ideas come from an article from the online ministry of Creighton University.
You may like to read the full article here.
this season isn’t about us proving to God what we are able to give up, but rather accepting instead what God wants to give us.
Resources from Caritas Aotearoa
Caritas Aotearoa has a huge range of amazing resources available to help you enter into this season of Lent. We’ve showcased some of our top picks in the drop down menu below. You can also access all resources on Caritas Aotearoa’s Website.
Check out some of our top picks from the wide range of resources
Some music for the season
We’ve curated a Spotify playlist with a few songs that led us into lenten reflection.
Have a listen by clicking here.
Looking for physical resources?
Wanting to dive into Lent with something physically in your hands? Pleroma Christian Supplies has a great range of resources you can order online, or pop into their store in Otane, Central Hawkes Bay.
Beginning of Lent 2025
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