The Lenten season asks us to examine our lives for things that hold us back from God, and to remove those things.

 

We might give up sweets, we might give up coffee, or we might abstain from Netflix and social media. These are great things to do, but today's Gospel reminds and challenges us to do more.

 

We must not solely give up things that we enjoy as means of penance during Lent. If we do, we run the risk of making the Lenten season about ourselves. A competition with ourselves or others, to show how great we are at removing sweets or praying rosaries.

 

Instead, the Lenten season is a call back to our baptismal vows, and at its very core, a vow of service to our God and our fellow man.

 

So do not be like the rich man, who probably gave up Netflix, or sweets during Lent himself, and thought of how wonderful he was for making this small sacrifice. Instead, let us use the newfound money and minutes to serve those in need, to pray for those in need, and to bring ourselves closer to Christ.