When I was a child growing up in the Catholic Church, I understood Lent to be a time of suffering as a practice. Today I see it as a practice to give up suffering. As I turn within to do my spiritual work, I let go of those beliefs and emotions that cause suffering such as lack, separation, resentment and fear.
The altar is a symbol of turning our awareness to God. Whether you have a physical altar that reminds you of your faith or the symbolic altar of prayer and meditation, they are both places to let go and let God. And God has much greater plans and demonstrates greater results than we can ever imagine.
Bible Reading: Matthew 5:21-26
Affirmation: It is not I, ‘but the Father abiding in me doeth his works.’ Keep a True Lent by Charles Fillmore