What is it that draws so many people to a church’s pews week after week?

Do we actually believe in the idea of having fish on Fridays as a form of self-mortification or solidarity with those who have less? Or do we look at it more like paying our taxes — giving up the least possible amount?

I do not have time to go to the church’s rosary for peace in Ukraine, but I go anyway. I have to do something, even though I feel like my small gesture will amount to nothing.

A good rule of thumb for Lent: Be childlike, not childish.

What do my prayers for Ukraine achieve? Is this about convincing God to intervene or softening my own heart so I can suffer with my Ukrainian brothers and sisters?

My formal, reserved church could take a cue from those who pray with raw urgency.