WILKES-BARRE — For Catholics, Lent is a time for reflection and adjustment.
As always, I attended Ash Wednesday services at the magnificent King’s College chapel, where we received our blessing — proven with a large cross applied to our foreheads.
A few years ago, we were given Lenten fortune cookies with “suggestions” on what we should abstain from for the next 40 days.
A young woman in front of me opened hers, and her shoulders dropped. I heard her say, “Oh, I can’t do that.” Her friend asked her what she got, and the young woman replied, “Alcohol.” Her friend agreed that this would be difficult, if not impossible.
The disappointment on her face was obvious. She was struggling with a decision to either be a good Catholic and accept the suggestion that she abstain from alcohol, or toss it back in the basket to preserve her right to party on for the next 40 days and beyond.
But this process always gets me thinking. This Lenten fortune cookie idea fascinated me, so I asked the King’s College Campus Ministry Department to share what some of the other “suggestions” were in that basket.
The list included abstaining from temptation, gossip, procrastination, worry, anxiety, impatience, speaking ill of others, and, of course, those other two evils — desserts and alcohol.
Back in my childhood days, Lenten fasts were a very big deal. We had to fast on something, and we had better keep to them, or else. And we did it without complaint. We knew it was something we had to do for 40 days, and we did it.
We are a few days into Lent 2026, and I am determined to make it through the 40 days of my fast. But I have chosen a different approach — rather than fasting on something, I decided to do something I feel we all need to do — spread kindness.
By abstaining from things we enjoy, we deprive ourselves of chocolate, sweets, pizza, soda, or alcohol. Then, when Easter arrives, we realize we really haven’t grown spiritually since the beginning of Lent.
Abstaining from those aforementioned things, even chocolate, can prove to be meaningful, but is that what Lent is really all about? The Dynamic Catholic website says, “Lent is about doing something bold — to become a better husband or wife, father or mother, son or daughter, friend, neighbor, etc.”
Giving up desserts or alcohol is a good start, but that’s all it is.
So for Lent 2026, I have decided to pause and remember what Lent signifies. I will take more time to reflect and pray — to be thankful, grateful, and to be kind.
Soon we will be enjoying the fun that Easter brings — the candy, kielbasa, colored eggs, cole slaw, and jelly beans. But never forget the true meaning — digest that as well, and continue to make your life and the lives of all you meet on your daily path, better.
By being kind, for example.
Life adjustments are not just fun; they can enrich your life and improve your approach to all sorts of challenges.
You can vacation in fun places, set aside play time and fun time each day, love your pet and emulate their unconditional love, and love and protect your children.
And you can work hard to do your very best — and always be kind, respectful, and compassionate to your fellow human beings.
And don’t text and drive or drink and drive. Volunteer to help those in need. Donate your time and/or money when possible.
And smile a lot — be the best you possibly can be.
Follow that old adage — treat others the way you would want to be treated. Appreciate friendship. Cherish family. Embrace life. Always dance like nobody is watching.
A wise person once said, “It costs nothing to be a decent human being.”
And this may shock you, but there’s more to friendship than social media — much more than a “like” or a “thumbs up.” More than a “Happy Birthday” born out of a reminder on your “timeline.”
There really is so much more.
More than a smile and an obligatory hello.
More than a call asking for a favor.
More than an expectation of understanding.
More, just so much more.
More than pretending to care.
More than a belated apology.
More than emojis of birthday cakes, balloons, and praying hands.
Much, much more.
Friendship should be valued, prioritized, genuine, and sincere.
Friendship should be laughing, and crying, and being there — and caring.
Come on, be a real pal, a genuine buddy — do the unexpected and always do what true friends do.
Friends are forever, I’m told, so don’t be superficial.
I often take a ride through my old neighborhood. I find it gives me a renewed spirit. It reminds me of where I came from — where I learned everything important.
Where I learned the importance of caring, compassion, and kindness.
But it’s not just what you learned that matters — it’s how you’ve applied those lessons.
Knowing how to be is not nearly as important as being.
Deep inside, we all know right from wrong — yet we stray.
We know how important it is to be good — to be kind.
Just do it — for 40 days and beyond.