Lent Begins on Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022, Plant an Amaryllis Bulb

Iowa Horticulture Amaryllis in bloom

There are many activities we can do with our children and grandchildren during the Lenten season. Wednesday, March 2, 2022, is the beginning of Lent. It is the day when Catholics age14 and up are obliged to abstain from meat, on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent. The faithful between 18 and 59 are called upon to fast, two small meals no larger than the one main meal, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday in addition to abstaining from meat.

The season of Lent is one of penance and renewal. Over the years, I have posted various ways we can grow closer to Jesus during this holy season. You can find those activities here: Lent

This year I am offering the following activity: plant an amaryllis bulb with your children or grandchildren. We associate the amaryllis flower with Christmas, but it is a perfect bulb to buy (on Amazon, Hollandbulbs, Brecks, etc.) and plant during the first week or two of Lent. It takes about six weeks to bloom. Information on planting here:https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/amaryllis-faqs/9377.html

Amaryllis Bulbs

Compare what happens to the bulb with what is happening in each one of us as we increase our good deeds, make sacrifices of a favorite food, or a television show, or digital usage, share our money with the needy, learn a new prayer, visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist more often. There are many ways we can grow in the love of Jesus during Lent. 

Point out to the children that by watering the amaryllis, draining excess water, and placing it in a cool spot with sunlight, they are helping it to grow.  In our souls much is going on during Lent which helps our souls to grow in God's grace. In about six weeks time the bulb is marvelously transformed into a beautiful flower. So, too, in each child's soul the sacrifices, good deeds, prayers, and visits to Jesus that he or she made during Lent are used by Jesus to transform the soul in holiness. A soul full of good deeds is a very beautiful soul.

Amaryllis Bulbs planted

 While the amaryllis bulb is growing, it is the perfect time to learn about saints. Next week I am going to introduce a few young saints and a blessed. The saints are our friends. They are interested in us and want to help us get to heaven. St. Therese of Lisieux in her autobiography, The Story of a Soul, told us that. Next week I will share that story with  you from her autobiography.

Pictured below is a book about Jesus by one of my favorite author/illustrators, Tomie de Paola. In The Miracles of Jesus, twelve miracles each written up on one page with an accompanying illustration on a second page, tell in a simple fashion Gospel miracles performed by Jesus. The book is perfect for introducing children to Jesus as you read to them and point out the illustrations.

 I found a prayer on Pinterest which I hope you will find helpful as you journey throughout Lent with your family. There was no name given to its author.

Please pray for me and my family during Lent. I am praying for you and your family. May you be richly blessed this season of Lent.