Lent 4.5 Christian Simplicity

Protecting God’s Creation Embracing Gospel Justice Nurturing Spiritual Fulfillment
As we prepare for Easter and the renewal of our baptismal commitment to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, some of us will be observing Lent in a slightly different way this year.
Lent 4.5 Christian Simplicity informs and inspires Christian communities on how to use the traditional Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving to care for God’s creation and embody Gospel justice. It offers practical opportunities to apply church teaching on Gospel simplicity in our everyday lives.
The title “Lent 4.5” refers to an average number of acres each of the 7 billion in habitants of the earth would have to meet all of our needs. For a long time, many thought that a just world would be achieved by lifting others up to our standard of living, but we not know that’s impossible given the limited resources of the earth. Some nations such as India and Tanzania use a very small portion of the earth’s resources, 1.9 and 2.6 acres respectively. The industrialized western world uses a much great amount, such as Canada and the U.S. (14.2 and 22.3 acres).
The Gospel challenges us to transform the way we understand, use and consume the materials of this planet. Jesus spoke frequently about the dangers of excessive consumption. He warned us of the spiritual peril brought on by too much stuff. Lent 4.5 tries to be honest with what the Gospel says about simplicity and offers us practical ways to be different from our purchase-driven society.
Simplicity does not mean living in poverty or dressing in rags. Living simply means setting limits that reflect our faith values by taking only what we need – not hoarding or using in excess. It is the path to a life that is outwardly simple and inwardly rich.
When viewed through the lens of the Gospel, simplicity becomes liberating for the prosperous and life-affirming for those who are poor. Voluntarily choosing simplicity reorients our hearts toward finding a treasure that will never perish, bringing forth a more just society and protecting God’s creation for generations to come. Lent is a great time to start.
Beginning the weekend of Feb. 12th and continuing each weekend up to Holy Week, a handout will be available in the wall pockets next to the bulletin board at the northeast church entrance and the main bulletin board near the office on the theme of that week. Each handout will have four elements:
• A brief essay introducing the theme
• Highlights of church teachings on the theme
• A menu of practical action steps that can be taken
• Where to find additional online information and resources
The online site, www.lent45.org, offers the opportunity to receive additional resources, submit prayer requests, share experiences and ideas with other participants across the country, and sign-up for a weekly Lenten reflection.
Please prayerfully consider taking this direction for Lent this year. Contact Cathy Schwinden, at 232-2414 or cathys@nativitycatholicchurch.net  for more information.