Lent 2026: Learning to Receive the Love of God

How the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius Live Lent and How You Can Join Them

Lent is not only a season of sacrifice — it is a season of receptivity. Before we “do” anything for God, we allow Him to love us, heal us, and draw us more deeply into His Heart.

Each year, the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius enter Lent together with a common rule of life that strengthens prayer, deepens fraternity, and clears away distractions. While the full observance of a religious community isn’t possible for most people in the world, many of its elements can beautifully shape the Lenten journey of families, students, and working professionals.

Prayer Comes First

For the Canons: Lent begins with a renewed commitment to recollection and prayer. The Canons arrive early for the Divine Office in order to quiet their hearts before God. They gather for extended Eucharistic Adoration, pray the Stations of the Cross on Fridays, and give special priority to daily spiritual reading — especially Sacred Scripture.

The Canons also follow a guide for daily reflection, some guiding thoughts are: “Am I receiving the love of God? What is drawing me away?” 

“Where did I notice God’s love today? Where did I resist it?”

Lent changes us most not through effort alone, but through attention to grace.

Charity Begins at Home

For the Canons: Community life is itself a Lenten discipline. The brothers make a deliberate effort to serve one another, limit unnecessary talking, and grow in patience and mutual charity. Intercessory prayer for one another and for those they serve is a daily priority.

• Offer one hidden act of kindness daily

• Pray intentionally for specific people you find difficult

• Refrain from criticism, gossip, and online negativity

• Practice truly listening instead of planning your reply

Your primary Lenten community is your family, coworkers, and parish.

Lent is not only about giving things up. It’s about giving ourselves away in love.

Silence Creates Space for God

For the Canons: The community observes greater silence in the evenings and limits use of technology. News, entertainment media, and unnecessary internet use are set aside. Even recreation is chosen to be uplifting and faith-centered.

A digital fast is also helpful.

• No phone during meals

• No scrolling after a set evening hour

• One day a week free from social media

• Replace background noise with sacred music or silence

When noise decreases, God’s voice becomes clearer.

Fasting That Frees the Heart

For the Canons: Meals are simpler. Snacks and sweets are eliminated. Eating between meals is avoided. The goal is not harshness, but freedom — a body disciplined so the soul can be attentive.

 Choose a form of fasting that is real but sustainable:

• Give up sweets, soda, or alcohol

• Avoid snacking between meals

• Practice mindful eating instead of distracted eating

• Offer small hunger or inconvenience as prayer for someone in need

Fasting teaches us that we do not live by bread alone.

Sacred Scripture at the Center

For the Canons: Daily spiritual reading focuses especially on the Word of God, allowing Scripture to shape prayer and daily conversion.

 Try:

• Reading the upcoming Sunday Gospel earlier in the weekKeeping a small notebook for a single verse that stands out

• Praying with the Psalms when you don’t have words of your own

The Word of God is not information, it is an encounter.

Joy Still Belongs in Lent

Even in a penitential season, the Church reminds us that grace brings joy. The Canons observe feast days with moderation and fraternity, remembering that Christian penance is always ordered toward Easter hope.

For families, this might mean:

• A special meal on a solemnity

• Celebrating a patron saint’s feast day

• Marking Laetare Sunday with flowers or a favorite dessert

Lent is serious but it is never gloomy.

As Lent approaches, consider choosing one practice of prayer, one of fasting, and one of charity. Write them down. Ask the Lord for the grace not merely to complete them, but to let them change your heart.

Above all, remember the question that guides the Canons throughout the season:

“Am I receiving the love of God?”

If Lent helps us answer yes more deeply, then Easter joy will not be something we merely celebrate — it will be something we truly live.