1st Sunday of Lent – Year B (2021)

The readings for the 1st Sunday of Lent for Year B get us thinking how God is faithful even when we wander away from him. The first reading (Genesis 9:8-15) is the story of Noah’s Ark. The psalm (Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9) remind us to be faithful: “Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.” The second reading (1 Peter 3:18-22) explains that the great flood in the time of Noah preceded our baptisms. And the gospel (Mark 1:12-15) tells us that Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert and returned ready to spread his message.

So these readings get us started on our Lenten journey. It is time to commit to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. There are many ideas for this on the Catholic Ideas for Lent page.

Get on Noah’s Ark (Game for VBS or Youth Group)

Get on Noah's Ark is an easy game for your Vacation Bible School, church camp, or youth group. All you need is some laundry baskets and stuffed animals. Even your youngest VBS students will enjoy this game. Use more animals for older students.

Lent in 3 Minutes (Video)

This brief video from Busted Halo answers some basic questions about Lent: What is Lent? What is Ash Wednesday? Why do people have ashes on their heads? Why fast, pray, and give during Lent?

Start a Prayer Journal

Lent is a time when we explore ways to deepen our prayer lives. A prayer journal is a good way to stay focused during prayer. I find this an especially helpful practice for teens who are trying to develop a deeper prayer life. But it is appropriate for all ages. #prayer

Lenten Practices: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

Lent is a time of penance. It is a time when we reflect on the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. Catholics have three main practices during Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. All Catholics, young and old, can participate in these practices.

Lenten Activities: Give Up Video Games for a Weekend

For many of us, video games have become a way to escape reality and blow off some steam. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, there is a tendency in our culture to spend a lot of time gaming.

Broken (so that we could be made whole)

This video from LifeTeen shows how Jesus Christ is waiting for us in all of our messy sinfulness. Jesus was broken so that we could be made whole. It focuses on the Pascal Mystery.

How to Pray for Somebody Who Has Hurt You

Today for Lent, why not pray for someone who has hurt you? This is especially powerful if you are still harboring some resentment. Pray from your heart, but if you are having trouble getting started, try this prayer.

Lenten Activities: Go to a Weekday Mass

One of the traditional Lenten practices for Catholics is prayer. During this holy season we are called to grow closer to our Lord by increasing and focusing our prayer life. What better way to do this than by attending a weekday mass?

Lenten Activities: Make an Offering Box

Lent is a beautiful opportunity to offer ourselves to our Lord.  An offering box is a tangible way to make our offerings. It can be used for many different types of offerings. #Lent #sacrifice #offering

The Kingdom of God Is at Hand

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Christ vs Satan in Our Daily Lives

Fr. Robert Spitzer explains how to recognize evil forces in our lives and overcome them. Through Jesus Christ we can be transformed and fight evil instead of being controlled by it.