The era we live in, from 1950 to 2026, can be considered hedonistic; that is, seeking distraction, pleasure, personal indulgences—anything that distracts us and distances us from a reality that is painful, complicated, and often harsh. It’s not that it’s wrong to be distracted or seek recreation and rest. The problem is that hedonism seeks pleasure as both a means and an end to achieve happiness. Therefore, during Lent, when we are told about fasting, penance, and prayer, it already presents a conflict for a world that knows it suffers but doesn’t want to accept it. The Catholic Church, as mother and teacher, doesn’t hide suffering, doesn’t sugarcoat it; it simply exposes it so we can learn to accept it. Fasting helps us curb our instincts, reminding us that there are people who go hungry while many throw away food; penance helps us empathize with the pain of our suffering brothers and sisters. Prayer leads us to God, reminds us that God exists, that we are not gods. A Lent lived well matures us, strengthens us, and helps us grow in faith.
Have a blessed Lenten Sunday.