Are you ready for a Lent like never before?
In this episode of The Catholic Gentleman, John Heinen and Devin Schadt discuss how we are called to radical conversion and a passionate existence in pursuit of life everlasting during Lent. Here are 3 strategies they share to help you have the best Lent ever!
1. Win Your Morning with Jesus
Exhaustion, distractions or even our own families keep us from the most important appointment of the day: prayer with Christ. “We wonder why we’re ineffective or struggling,” Devin explains. “It’s because we’re not plugging into the power source—prayer with God.” Is it the snooze button, late nights or mindless scrolling? Try to set aside a full 30 minutes each morning for focused prayer. Cut out distractions, set up a prayer space and commit to time with Jesus. If you win the morning, you win the day. “If your first act in the day is to snooze, you’re not owning life, life is controlling you,” John says.
2. Reclaim Your Family Time
Instead of letting obligations and busyness rule your home, reclaim family time for God. “You have to fight for your family,” Devin says. “Sometimes, you have to fight against your family to fight for them.” What could this look like? A firm rule for dinner together, three nights of prayer together and one weekly Gospel reflection. If your kids’ sports schedules are running your life, step back and ask—are we raising future professionals, or future saints? Prioritize what lasts!
3. Retreat Into the Desert
Lent is a time to step away from the noise and hear God’s voice. One of the best ways to do this? Go on a retreat. “We’ve got a million of those excuses we often use to not seek and serve the Lord Jesus,” Devin says. “But the word of God came to John in the desert. When you go to the desert, everything is silenced, you stop, and then that’s when you become capable of hearing the word of God.” It doesn’t have to be 40 days, but consider a short silent retreat, a weekend Lenten mission or even a self-led retreat at a monastery.
The gentlemen say that Christ calls us to step out of the boat, to let go of excuses and to pursue holiness this Lent like our lives depend on it—because they do!
Watch this episode below 👇
This Lent could be the one that changes everything! 🙏
Credit: George Ryan via ChurchPOP
