If you are participating in Lent, I pray it’s going well for you. And by going well, I mean I hope you are finding your fasting difficult, praying for repentance, and growing closer to God. I’ll assume you want the same for me and for that, I thank you.
If you’re not participating in Lent, I encourage you to try it! There is such richness in tying yourself to the ancient traditions of the Church, even if you’re Protestant. I don’t know how to truly describe it, but it’s incredible to ponder that millions of Christians are going through this season with you and understand your struggle. Plus, only good can come of prayer, fasting, and charity, so why not give it a shot?
For me, Lent has indeed been tough. The food portion, not so much. I cut out “sugary drinks,” which I left vague on purpose. For me, that means no sweetened lattes, Coke (a.k.a. all soda, for my non-Southern readers), and sweet tea, and that’s been of great benefit. I’m feeling more energetic and drinking more water, or I am otherwise enjoying black coffee. The difficulty has come in the other forms of fasting.
I decided to cut out the use of Spotify and YouTube for music while at work and also keep my commute silent. The only time I’m permitted to listen to music is while I’m home with my family. This is by far the most challenging sacrifice of Lent. I’ve found I’m less comfortable sitting in silence than I’d like to admit, and I’m not as quick to turn to prayer as I ought to be. I’ve discovered numerous ways I keep myself distracted and have to reckon with how sloppy my spiritual practices truly are. Praise God for a season dedicated to finding these weak spots so we can surrender them to Christ.
“Oh Jesus, I surrender myself to you. Take care of everything.”
After admitting to myself that I’m lagging in prayer and contemplation, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I seemed to remember my good friend, Scoot, suggesting I read St. Ignatius’ 14 Rules for Discernment. After some digging for a printable PDF version, I found one from the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Fort Collins, CO1. It was extremely interesting to read and amazing to see that a man of the 1500s saw enough trouble with distractions to write such things. It’s incredible how applicable the rules are now, specifically in the time of Lent. Check out the second rule:
In persons who are going on intensely purifying their sins and rising from good to better in the service of God our Lord, the method is contrary to that of the first rule.2 For then it is proper to the evil spirit to bite, sadden, and palce obstacles, disquieting with false reasons, so that the person may not go forward. And it is proper to the good spirit to give courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations, and qiet, easing and taking away all obstacles, so that the person may go forward in doing good.
- Summary of the Second Rule of St. Ignatius’ Rule of Discernment as provided by the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish of Fort Collins, CO
This excerpt shows that we fallen humans face similar spiritual battles across time, and we can truly call on the experience of our brothers and sisters in Christ to help us through.
I’m trying to face my problems head-on as I find them. To find more quiet, I’ve started putting my phone away at home and try to ignore it unless I receive a notification from work, which, thankfully, does not happen often. I’ve also established a dedicated time each morning to read Scripture, pray, and meditate silently. I have to wake up pretty early to achieve this because my daughters are early risers like myself, but the time spent alone with God has already been transformative.
I’m also trying to replace some distractions with good things like reading! It turns out that when you’re not wasting time looking at social media, you can read great books instead! Who’d a thunk it? Reading more has actually been a goal before Lent started. So far this year, I've read:
“Exogenesis” by
, which I highly recommend.“Animal Farm” by George Orwell. How I was a first-time reader of this book at 34 years old, I don’t know…
Next on the list:
World-Ending Fire by Wendell Berry. I checked this out from my local library only a few days ago and am really looking forward to it!
How’s your Lent going?
Now I want to hear from you:
What did you choose to give up this Lent?
What has this fast revealed to you about yourself?
How are you working to improve? More time in Scripture? More time in prayer? What’s working to bring you closer to God?
Matthew 5:20
If you haven’t already, check out the video featuring the Gospel of Matthew, chapter five, verse twenty. It reads:
For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
I’m no Bible scholar, but I know the Pharisees were known for their rigorous ways of following the Laws of Moses. I also know John the Baptist referred to them as a “brood of vipers” whose spiritual pride and desire to be seen got in the way of their repentant hearts.
Let us lean on Christ and His righteousness, aiming to never act outside of his good and perfect will. He has reconciled us to the Father through His free sacrifice, so rest assured that He will freely give us a righteous heart if we earnestly seek Him.
Holy Spirit, help us to admit where we fail and lead us to forgiveness. Holy Spirit, help us as we continue to grope as blind men in darkness, searching for heaven.
Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.
P.S. When this post is published and found in your inbox, our region of the country will be preparing for another round of severe weather. Please pray that the storm passes us by and leaves us unscathed. But if it is not God’s will to be a peaceful evening, pray that the damage is minimal. Either way, let His will be done. Amen!
First Rule: In persons who are going from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is ordinarily accustomed to propose apparent pleasures to them, leading them to imagine sensual delights and pleasures in order to hold them more and make them grow in their vices and sins. In these persons the good spirit uses a contrary method, stinging and biting their consciences through their rational power of moral judgment.
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