Hey there,
Have you heard the story of the three fish who lived in a pond?
One was named “Plan Ahead,” another was named “Think Fast,” and the third was called “Wait and See.” One day they heard a fisherman say he was going to cast his net in their pond the next day.
Plan Ahead said, “I am swimming down the river tonight.”
Think Fast said, “I am sure I will come up with a plan.”
Wait and See lazily said, “I just can’t think about it now.”
When the fisherman cast his nets, Plan Ahead was able to escape from his nets. But Think Fast and Wait and See were caught by the fisherman.
Think Fast quickly rolled his belly up and pretended to be dead. “Oh, this fish is no good!” said the fisherman and he threw him safely back into the water. However, Wait and See ended up in the fish market.
That’s why people say, “In times of danger, when the net is cast, plan ahead or plan to think fast!”
Lent is just one week away and while it’s not a time of danger … now is a great time to plan ahead.
Genuflect is here to help you prepare for your best Lent ever! This week’s resources look at ways to deepen your relationship with the Lord through various types of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving this Lent. And there’s even a way to integrate it with your social media.
I admit I tend to be like the “Wait and See” fish. So this week, my first Lenten activity is to plan out my Lent in advance.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
genuflect: sponsor
The Rosary Boutique
Get ready for Lent with a new, beautiful Rosary. Our imported Rosaries are hand made by craftsmen in the Holy Land with stones indigenous to the Bethlehem area. They come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Shop all our Rosaries.
genuflect: resources
Pre-lent Prep
Don’t let Lent sneak up on you this year. Do some planning before Ash Wednesday so you’ll be all ready when the big day arrives. Here are 5 tips to help you focus on your game plan.
Quick Tips to Help You Get Ready For Lent (Before it Gets Here) | Epic Pew
Lenten Joy?
We think of Lent as a time of sacrifice, abstinence, and downright gloom. But Philip Kosloski explains why Lent really is meant to be approached with joy. And if we are to deepen our relationship with our Lord, a joyful approach will be our pathway to spiritual renewal.
How Lent Can Lead to Peace, Joy And Spiritual Renewal | Aleteia
Prayerful Ideas
Break out of your typical prayer methods during Lent and try something new. Here are 8 ways to pray that will help deepen your relationship with God.
8 Ways to Pray During Lent | Loyola Press
Personalized Prayer Plan
One size does not fit all when it comes to prayer. So build your own Lenten prayer plan with this list of 40 different prayer ideas, ranging from 1 minute, 5 minutes, 20 minutes, or more. Say each prayer over the 40 days of Lent. Or say the same prayer every day. It’s up to you.
40 Ways For 40 Days: Staying Rooted in Prayer This Lent | Life Teen
Non-food Fasting
Every Lent we give up something … chocolate, caffeine, alcohol. But there are other options we can consider. Lots of them. Here are 10 new ways of fasting during Lent, none of which involve food or drink.
10 New Valuable Ways You Can Fast During Lent | The Mystical Humanity of Christ Publishing
Fast Like Saints
If you’re looking for ideas of what to give up for Lent, why not look to the Saints for inspiration? Here’s what 5 beloved Saints used to do for Lent.
What Did The Saints Give up For Lent? | UCatholic
Media as Our Guide
Saint John Paul II stressed during Lent that while we learn from the media about those in our community in need, this is where we should focus our acts of charity. And today with social media, it’s even easier to tune in and get involved!
How to be a More Loving Person During Lent | Aleteia
Almsgiving Options
Almsgiving is the least practiced pillar of Lent, but perhaps that’s because it’s misunderstood. We think of it merely as financial giving. Sam Guzman explains almsgiving is really a call to give mercy … and he provides 14 examples for us to choose from this Lent.
Preparing For Lent: Almsgiving | The Catholic Gentleman
Why No Meat?
Ash Wednesday will be here next week and we’ll have meatless Fridays. Have you ever wondered why we abstain from meat? And why on Fridays? JP Nunez provides answers.
Why we Abstain From Meat on Fridays During Lent | Catholic 365
Lent in Photos
Enrich your Lent through creative expression by participating in Busted Halo’s InstaLent Photo Challenge. Just post a photo each day following the day’s theme and tag it with #BHLent2020. Check out all the details here.
2020 InstaLent Photo Challenge | Busted Halo
genuflect: bonus
Lenten Inspiration
Click below to download this week’s free inspirational wallpaper for your desktop and your phone. Or download one of the previous wallpapers
Download for Desktop Download for Phone
genuflect: sharing
Please use these buttons to share this issue of Genuflect with your friends, family, and followers who may be interested. Thank you!
Photo by Gert Boers on Unsplash
