Lent: A Time of Giving
Ash Wednesday is February 18. Are you prepared to give something up? I hope to persuade you to think about giving to others during this Lenten season. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). I am asking each of you to consider who may be in need of your gifts this Lent.
What gifts?
God has given each of us many gifts, and we are called to use them for Christian charity. First Peter 4:10 gives us this directive: “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” There are many types of gifts. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.
Do not ever doubt that you have gifts. You may be asking, “How do I use the gifts given to me?” I am glad you asked.
One way is to use your gifts to help a caregiver. You might think you cannot help because you are not medically trained. But do you have time to run an errand for a caregiver? Can you sit and visit with them? Perhaps bring them a meal?
This Lent, I am asking you to care for the caregivers. The stress placed on caregivers is significant. While much attention is given to those caring for physical health issues, caring for someone with mental health challenges is also caregiving, and those caregivers need support as well. Not surprisingly, caregiving can lead to mental health struggles such as depression and neglect of one’s own physical health.
Do you know someone who is caring for a loved one with physical or mental health needs? The gift of time is invaluable. Offering a break- whether by stepping in for a short time or helping them get out of the house, can make a tremendous difference. Even a small amount of time away can provide the reset they need to continue caring for their loved one.
This Lent, explore your gifts and consider how you can offer them to a caregiver. As you listen to their struggles, you may gain the gift of deeper understanding.
Lent is a season of sacrifice that leads to the joy of Easter. This year, Easter Sunday is April 5. Your gift to a caregiver can bring hope during this sacred season.
You have six weeks. Go and serve one another with your gifts.
By Linda Hopkins, Parish Mental Health Coordinator at Catholic Charities of Kansas City- St. Joseph