Lent Calls Us Back to Christ's Wounded Heart

Debbie Thompson reflects on the meaning and practices of the Lenten season.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Debbie Thompson discusses the significance of the Lenten season, highlighting the traditional songs, Scriptures, and expectations placed upon Catholics during this time. She encourages readers to engage in the three works of Lent - prayer, fasting, and almsgiving - as a means to deepen their relationship with Jesus. Thompson also suggests various Lenten practices, such as attending daily Mass, praying the family rosary, and abstaining from alcohol or technology, to help prepare for the Resurrection.

Why it matters

Lent is a crucial period in the Catholic liturgical calendar, calling the faithful to self-reflection, discipline, and renewal. By embracing the traditional Lenten practices, Catholics can deepen their spiritual connection and prepare their hearts to celebrate the joy of Easter.

The details

Thompson outlines the specific expectations for Catholics during Lent, including the obligatory days of fasting and abstinence, as well as the often-overlooked Paschal Fast. She encourages readers to explore various forms of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, such as attending daily Mass, praying the rosary, abstaining from alcohol or technology, and supporting charitable initiatives like the Rice Bowl campaign. Thompson also highlights the importance of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation during this season.

  • Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence.
  • Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence from meat.
  • The 'Paschal Fast' is from Good Friday to the Easter Vigil in honor of the suffering and death of the Lord and to prepare for the Resurrection.

The players

Debbie Thompson

The author of the article, reflecting on the meaning and practices of the Lenten season.

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What they’re saying

“How will this 'Lent' bring us to our senses and hence to our knees, making us realize, finally, that all of us, with our tragic civilization, our magnificent buildings, and all our technical achievements constitute but a grain of dust in the hollow of God's hand?”

— Catherine Doherty (Restoration, Madonna House, Combermere, Canada)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This Lenten season is a call for Catholics to deepen their spiritual connection with Christ through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, ultimately preparing their hearts to celebrate the joy of Easter and the Resurrection.