The season of Lent is just a little more than a week away. Every year as we approach this season, we find ourselves asking what we will do- how will we increase our prayer, what will we fast from, how will we give more generously of ourselves, our time, and our money? The goal in whatever we do is to find ourselves closer to Christ by the end of the 40 day journey.
A few days ago, I came across this profound quote about Lent. It is from St. Josemaría Escrivá and says, “We cannot regard this Lent as just another liturgical season which has simply happened to come around again… Jesus is passing by and He hopes that we will take a great step forward — today, now.” This season is not just another season that we can let slip by, it is an opportunity to grow, change, and be transformed. How often does the season come around again and we find ourselves choosing to take the easy way out, to do what’s comfortable?
I sincerely want to take a great step forward. I want to walk more closely with Jesus through the desert than I did in the year before. I want to challenge myself to become more disciplined so that I can be a better disciple. I want to experience a conversion of heart so that I might become more like Him. I want to learn how to suffer well, even if just in very small ways, so that I can unite those sufferings to the cross.
When deciding what to take on or give up for Lent, we should think about our current habits and reflect on what will help us to grow closer to Jesus. As we reflect on Jesus’ journey leading to Calvary and His death, we should think about how we can die to ourselves in small ways. The season and what we decide to do will likely look a bit different for all of us. While it is not a competition and not a time of comparison, we can be inspired by the ideas of others and it may help to keep us accountable.
As we get closer to Lent, take some time to pray about how you can pray, fast, and give in a way that is different from what you are doing now. We must not let Lent just be another season that comes and goes. Will we choose to take a great step forward, following Jesus more closely as He passes by?
Faith and The Good Stuff 