Pope Benedict XVI focused on the the traditional themes of fasting, almsgiving and prayer in his Lenten message for 2011. “The practice of almsgiving is a reminder of God’s primacy and turns our attention towards others,” Benedict writes.

Read an essay from ChristianHistory.net on how the early tradition of pre-Lenten repentance developed into our modern practice of Ash Wednesday.

Read “Fasting has spiritual, physical benefits but also points to good works,” a March 2, 2011 Catholic News Service story.

Read a Jan. 25, 2011, story from The Wall Street Journal about how Christians responded to decreased giving and economic hardship during the recession.

Read a Jan. 31, 2011, story from Christianity Today about how Christians are responding to decreased giving to churches.

Read a March 3, 2011, column at Patheos.com by a self-described progressive pastor, Bruce Epperly, who plans to go to a spa on Ash Wednesday and focus on enjoying the wonders of the everyday world.

Read  a Feb. 25, 2011 Catholic News Service story on an environmental approach to lent.

Read a Feb. 28, 2011, Religion News Service story about new approaches to marking Lent, including reducing greenhouse gases or abstaining from social networking sites like Facebook.

Read a March 14, 2007, article at Catholic Online, urges pastors and religious educators to use The Secret’s popularity as a teaching moment.