Today we begin the great period of Lent, as our preparation for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of our Incarnate God's suffering, death and resurrection by which our sins were washed away and we were reconciled with our God. The Gospel speaks of the three great duties incumbent on observant Jews - prayer, fasting and alms-giving. Jesus fully endorses these three practices as an essential part of any life lived in the service of God but warns that they must be done for God and not simply to attract the admiration of less devout people.

Perhaps, traditionally, we have tended to focus on the second activity - fasting. Strictly speaking we do not need to fast nowadays, except today and on Good Friday, but many decide to 'give up' something - smoking, sweets or the like. This can be quite meaningful but we should not forget the other two. Some people like to attend Mass more often, even every day, during this time or set aside some time each day for prayer (a custom which then can be continued beyond Lent).

Alms-giving, that is, sharing some of our blessings with the less fortunate should also be a major consideration. In future readings of the Lenten liturgy, we will be reminded that reaching out to the poor and less fortunate is the real fasting that pleases God.