Lent is Over!

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying,

 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Matt 4:17 RSV-CE

Many people return to the same old routine after Lent is over. They stop doing their extra prayers. Stop giving up any sort of sacrifice to God (fasting, penance etc). The 40 days of fasting is over, so now they 'live it up.' Easter is indeed a celebration, but it's important to remember that after Jesus fasted 40 days in the desert, he didn't return to the same old life. Imagine how different the world would be if this man had fasted for 40 days in the desert, then simply returned to Nazareth to finish his days as a carpenter?

When Jesus left the desert fast of 40 days, he went immediately into the world to begin his ministry! That is what we are supposed to do as well. We are supposed to go into the world and bring that same Jesus we have received to others! We are supposed to take those lessons of Lent (the spiritual improvements, the drawing closer to God, the suppression of the flesh, etc.) and apply them to our lives!

How can we share what we have learned in Lent with others? What are some ways we can continue throughout the year to grow in the same ways we have in these 40 days of fasting? What are some things we have done during Lent that we should continue to do year round?