The third practice of Lent, after prayer and self-denial is Works of Mercy. We need to choose a practice and follow it, something that does good for another, even while we are still children.  It certainly begins at home: to do good for the persons we live with.  But it doesn’t stay there.  We must start this early in life because we are forming a habit, a good habit that will shape us.

One suggestion I would make to children: eat the healthy food your parents serve you, not junk food.  Let it become a habit. And parents — serve healthy food.

As we mature, our works of mercy expand.  Give the money saved by self-denial to help persons in need.  Make time for someone who needs you.  Mentor or tutor a young person.  Visit the sick or the elderly.  Give a day or part of one to a project for the community….

A suggestion to persons in their 20’s, especially the single: you are adult, strong, energetic, free, and deep inside you is unselfish idealism.  Act on it. Otherwise you can become very self-centered. That’s the point of Lent.

Above all, keep it secret. Just do it.  As we live longer by faith, we discover that we are grateful that God gives us good to do.  We aren’t doing others a favor.  We are the ones blessed!