Well, here we are back again in
Lent. Lent is not just a time of giving up sweets and maybe going to the
Stations of the Cross or a weekday Mass. Those are good things, but the deeper
meaning of Lent is taking stock of where we are spiritually. Traditionally this
is called an “examination of conscience.” Usually that is done in preparation
for celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation (a.k.a. “confession”). But I
think it helpful just to examine where we are presently in our spiritual
journey and spend some time reflecting on where we have been, where we are presently,
and where we hope to go as persons with a deep and lasting – indeed eternal –
spiritual dimension.
However, in our hectic modern
life we often do not give our spiritual dimension sufficient time and
attention. This is hardly a new problem. In the 1870’s, Fr. Isaac Hecker, main
founder of the Paulist Fathers, the group of priests that have staffed St.
Austin since 1908, wrote, “If we look at
it closely, two-thirds of our time is taken up with what we shall eat, and how
we shall sleep, and wherewithal we shall be clothed. Two-thirds of our life and
more is animal – including sleep. We do not despise the animal in man, but we
go in for fair play for the soul.” Without even invoking 19th
century concepts of fair play, I think we can realize that we do not always
give the spiritual aspect of our very selves sufficient attention and time.
Lent is a reminder to re-arrange
and improve our priorities.
So I invite you to use this Lent
well. It is an opportunity to awaken and strengthen the spiritual aspect of the
reality that is you. Often in Lent we put the emphasis on sorrow, contrition, a
firm purpose of amendment, and generally trying to live better as disciples of
The Lord. Certainly nothing wrong with that. But I wonder if that is really the
best place to begin, especially if you are a bit out of shape spiritually, a
little rusty in discernment.
I think a better place to start
off in Lent is not so much contrition as gratitude. First of all take stock of
all the wonderful ways you are blessed. Every breath, every moment is a gift. Most
of us need to be more conscious of our blessings. When we begin to feel,
perceive, see and realize just how incredibly blessed we are, and especially
what a phenomenal blessing Faith in Jesus Christ is, then I think we will
naturally progress to the deep realization and understanding that these
blessings are for a purpose, that with our blessedness comes an obligation,
that our being chosen at Baptism includes a call to live in a certain way and
for a certain purpose. Then comes the realization of our shortcomings, and with
it true contrition both for what we have done wrong and also for what we have
failed to do with all the opportunities and blessings we have received.
This Lent I urge you to pay
attention to your spiritual life, and if you are uncertain or confused about
just where to begin, start by seeing just how blessed you are. When we come to
Easter you will certainly have reason to truly celebrate.
God bless,
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