My men’s prayer group consist of three people, a religion teacher, a Spanish/art teacher, and me, a math teacher. Brian, the religion teacher, told us that Lent (which starts next week) consist of three points for conversion and becoming closer to God. The three big ideas are some kind of sacrifice, more prayer/scripture reading, and alms giving/doing good works for others.
As a group, we challenged ourselves to work on these three ideas. We came up with a plan. I had originally intended of listing what we were going to do, but conversion is supposed to be a private matter. Announcing our intentions would be like receiving a reward now here on earth. I want my reward (and the others in the group) to be private, and hopefully received in heaven.
I will tell you that this Lenten season will be very special. David, the Spanish/art teacher, just re-entered the church after 40 years of wondering. He is so happy. Brian is trying to get out of a rut that he feels he has been in for the last year or so. And I, I will be baptized at the end of this Lent, on the Easter vigil.