The season of Lent is upon us, once again offering opportunities for growth through the “three pillars” of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. In our modern pluralistic culture, Christians encounter a variety of responses to these practices, from a passing admiration or acknowledgment on a purely humanistic level to opposition and cynicism.
Understanding the 3 Pillars of Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
What does our faith tell us about these Lenten practices? The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that their primary purpose in the life of the Christian is conversion: “in relation to oneself, to God, and to others” (1434). Although the ultimate goal is to become more Christ-like, can the argument be made that these practices also make us more human? That they help us discover our true humanity, our redeemed humanity?
The answer is yes. The evidence is from many branches of science. In the next few weeks, we will look at the idea of Christian conversion—the real possibility of becoming “the image of God’s son”—as it relates to the very human difficulties encountered in any effort to change, both oneself and the world around us.
Embracing the 3 Pillars of Lent in Today’s Society
It might be too obvious to state that not everyone experiences the world, relationships, or God in the same way. Suppose we want to communicate and bear witness to the beauty and efficacy of the Christian way of life; we need tools and information that will speak to the age in which we find ourselves, one dominated by science and technology. Two key virtues are the foundation of communicating with others in a pluralistic society. These virtues are humility and chastity. Surprised by the inclusion of chastity? Perhaps you won’t be after we look at it through the eyes of the Desert Fathers.
We may wish all we like for a simpler age, but here we are in an age awash with new technologies and multiple challenges to our sense of what it means to be human. There is wisdom in Gandalf’s response to Frodo, who expressed regret that the struggle for the Ring of Power occurred in his lifetime:
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
—J.R.R Tolkein, The Fellowship of the Ring
Discovering the Deeper Meaning of the 3 Pillars of Lent
So, in this time of Lent, come along as we explore the world of quantum physics and the beginning of the cosmos. We will consider the creation of man, the biology of prayer, the benefits of fasting, and the life-changing perspectives that come from generosity and love of neighbor. As we start down these roads, we will take a fresh look at those key virtues of humility and chastity, explore the question of agency in a seemingly deterministic world, examine why free choices offer hope for real change, and why human beings occupy a key place in the cosmos.
In the next post, we will look at the lives of the Desert Fathers. This unique group of early Christians has many things to say to us, even though they certainly did not know that neurobiological changes were taking place in their brains and bodies when they left all the distractions of the world to seek total transformation in Christ. As often happens, their ancient wisdom and spiritual guidance can be integrated with the modern findings of neuroscience.
As your Lenten journey begins, may you embrace the transforming power of Christ. Join us as we explore the mysterious regions of the cosmos and the deepest longings of the human heart.
For further Reading:
If you’re intrigued by the connection between faith, science, and the deeper mysteries of the universe, then Science at the Doorstep to God by Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. is a must-read. This insightful book weaves mathematics, physics, and philosophy together to reveal how scientific discoveries point toward a transcendent reality. Just as Lent invites us to reflect on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in a modern world shaped by science and technology, Fr. Spitzer’s work provides a profound roadmap for understanding how faith and reason are compatible and deeply intertwined.
