Following in the Footsteps of the Saints during Lent

Lent is a sacred season that invites us to draw closer to God through prayer, penance, and almsgiving. It’s a time to reflect on our faith and embrace the journey of transformation. One powerful way to deepen our spiritual practice during this time is by following in the footsteps of the saints—those holy men and women who walked before us and who offer us examples of steadfast faith and devotion.

The Saints: Models of Holiness

The saints are not distant figures from the past; they are real people who lived out their faith with courage, humility, and perseverance. They faced trials and temptations, just like we do today, yet they remained faithful to God’s call. Their lives remind us that holiness is not about perfection but about striving to love and serve God with all our heart, mind, and strength.

Each saint has their own unique story and witness, but all of them share a deep, unshakeable faith. During Lent, we can turn to their lives for inspiration and guidance. By reflecting on their example, we can find the strength to overcome our own struggles and embrace the call to holiness.

Saints Who Show Us the Way

As we journey through Lent, there are a few saints whose lives can particularly inspire us in our spiritual renewal:

• St. Therese of Lisieux: Known for her "Little Way," St. Therese taught us that holiness is not about doing extraordinary things but finding God in the ordinary moments of life. During Lent, we can imitate her simplicity by turning our daily activities into acts of love and offering them to God.

• St. Francis of Assisi: St. Francis embraced poverty, humility, and simplicity. His deep love for all of God’s creation reminds us of the importance of living in harmony with nature and living simply. This Lent, let us focus on detachment from material possessions and work on growing in generosity and compassion.

• St. Ignatius of Loyola: Founder of the Jesuit order, St. Ignatius emphasizes discernment and finding God in all things. During Lent, we can follow his example by examining our lives with greater attentiveness, identifying areas where we need to grow, and asking for God’s guidance in making wise choices.

• St. John Paul II: A modern-day saint, Pope John Paul II’s message of hope and love for young people, his courage in standing up to oppression, and his unwavering devotion to the Blessed Mother offers us much to reflect on. This Lent, we can draw inspiration from his commitment to prayer, forgiveness, and the dignity of every human person.

Practical Steps to Follow in Their Footsteps

1. Deepen Your Prayer Life: Spend time in prayer each day, following the example of the saints who made prayer their priority. Use the prayers that inspired them, such as the Rosary or the Stations of the Cross, to grow in your relationship with Christ.

2. Embrace Acts of Mercy: Just as the saints lived lives of service, we can focus on acts of mercy this Lent. Whether it's volunteering, visiting the sick, or offering a listening ear, following the saints means living out the works of mercy in our everyday lives.

3. Embrace Sacrifice: The saints often gave up worldly comforts to live lives of simplicity and devotion to God. This Lent, consider what you can sacrifice—whether it's a habit, a comfort, or something you hold dear—in order to grow closer to God.

4. Practice Forgiveness: The saints showed us the power of forgiveness in their lives. Lent is the perfect time to ask for God's grace to forgive others and seek reconciliation where there may be brokenness.

Becoming Saints in the Making

As we walk through the season of Lent, let us not only remember the saints but seek to follow in their footsteps. Each of us is called to holiness, and the saints offer us a roadmap for that journey. Let their lives serve as reminders that no matter where we are in our spiritual walk, God is calling us to be saints. Through prayer, penance, and love, we can make this Lent a time of profound renewal and transformation.

May we allow the saints to walk with us, guiding us ever closer to the heart of God, and may we emerge from this season with renewed faith, hope, and love.