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We’re deep into Lent now, a time of spiritual preparation. Many of us give things up in order to prepare ourselves spiritually for Easter. But how many of us actively do things to prepare? In other words, how many of us choose to do something positive? It’s great to give up chocolate—if it helps you spiritually, reminds you of your control over your body, and maybe if you give the money to the poor. But what about doing something positive?

How about this: Call someone in your family or circle of friends who is lonely. Give something to your favorite charity. Forgive someone against whom you hold a grudge. As you do the examen, you might consider what other things you might be invited to do, things that God might be inviting you to do.