On Ash Wednesday night Stephen Colbert hosted the Colbert Report wearing ashes. It was great to see. On his show where he plays it up as a right-wing pundit. Often he makes light of his Catholic faith yet strangely the irony of his humour points out the richness of the Catholic Faith. There is a sense that he, and his character gently loves what it is to be Catholic from all sides.
Last year he tried giving up being Catholic for lent. He could not stay away though. On Holy Thursday when he smelt the incense, he decided to go into the church for “just one little prayer”. What could it hurt? Next thing you know he is having his feet washed, kissing crosses, going to confession, singing Latin hymns and lighting candles; just to wake up on Easter Sunday with that strange feeling of resurrection.
Whatever way you celebrate lent, be unafraid of making it your own time of spiritual renewal. I suggest http://bustedhalo.com for their Fast, Pray Give calendar where they challenge us with something new to do everyday.