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The 40 Days of Lent
Feb
25
Written by:
Sunday, February 25, 2007
1st Sunday of Lent
February 25, 2007
Before Jesus began his public ministry, he went into the desert for "40 days" of prayer and fasting. Once again this Lent, Jesus is asking us to accompany him there (Luke 4:1-13). Yet, how true it is that while Jesus had to enter a desert in order to draw close to God, many of us this Lent are being called to leave a desert behind and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to a more fruitful relationship with the Lord.
Is there something, perhaps even a good thing, that you just have too much of in your life? Something like too much alcohol, TV, food, shopping? Is something out of order, like excessive anger or a tendency to be self-centered or gossipy? These are just a few examples of the many kinds of "deserts," or self –imposed "barren areas" that we can take up voluntary residence in without even realizing how much is really missing in our lives.
Lent is one of those "once-a-year" moments of great grace the Church offers us, if we can only recognize it. The Holy Spirit has great ideas for everyone at Saint Ed's this Lent. He wants us to truly enter into the joy of a fruitful Lenten journey with Christ. So whether we are being led into the desert or out of one, God calls us to enter Lent together with Jesus by allowing him to lead us through a brief period of self-sacrifice so that we can have more fruitful lives.
Some practical suggestions: There are many good ways to observe Lent. Some people give up something they love; some add good habits, some do both. If you find you have been too ambitious with your Lenten goals and are trying to do too much, or something isn't working out, switch gears and try something else. I have to do this almost every year.
A few other possibilities: making a commitment to read a bit from the Scripture and the Catholic catechism every day; adding a bit more prayer; committing to adoration once a week; attending Mass during the week; doing a work of charity, service or almsgiving; forgiving someone who has hurt us. Is there perhaps one particularly sinful tendency or bad habit that God might want me to "fast" from? If you can't think of anything, ask someone in your household. They will know what to suggest!
Father Gary
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