Lent: Let God Lead

Well, I don’t know about you, but when Lent comes around every year, I need it! Oofda, it feels like I need a good washing, a good cleansing of the trivial things I cling to so tightly for comfort. By the time Ash Wednesday rolls around, God has usually reminded me in a few different ways that this time of repentance is much needed in my life! But on the other hand, as needed as Lent truly is, it can be so daunting. Here is this great opportunity, this 40 days to really make a gift of ourselves to Jesus… where do we start? How do we decipher what to “do” and what to “give up” for Lent?

                One huge, key thing to remember about Lent: Lent is not about us. The last thing we should focus on during Lent is ourselves. A key aspect of Lent is to put ourselves in our proper place: after Jesus, after our loved ones, after those in need of our time, talent, and abilities. We are selfish people, so it’s easy over time to fall into bad habits of “How do I make myself happy? How do I make my life more comfortable? How do I… __________ for me?” (You fill in the blank).  I think the most common trap we fall in during Lent is thinking, “Wow, this would be a great opportunity for me to drop a few pounds”. As good as losing unnecessary weight is, that is not really a Lenten goal. Obviously, to some extent, our Lenten goals need to be somewhat focused on ourselves, but only in regards to uniting ourselves closer with the Lord and His will.

                My challenge to you, during this Lenten season, is to really let God lead you. It’s still good to think yourself about what areas of your life need some cleaning or some purging, but make sure there is a real prayerful aspect to it. It seems like, at least for me, God makes it clear, when I am least expecting it, what His plans are for me during Lent. He made it blatantly obvious to me this Lent that I need to really work on my patience, which has been a joyful and easy process thus far (did that sound convincing???). And as I prayed for a solid plan this Lent, God reminded me of two dear friends who could really use my support, love, humor, and presence. Sometimes, His requests are more obvious than we realize, we just didn’t slow down enough to listen.

                Along with really listening for Jesus’ plans for us this Lent, my last suggestion is one of the three main pillars of Lent: fasting. As much as I kind of loath fasting, it just makes so much sense. Most of us have some sort of unhealthy attachment to food in one way or another. For me, food is sometimes weirdly tied to comfort and control. But God reminds me in fasting that comfort should be found in Him and that control doesn’t belong to me. The great Saint Thomas Aquinas reminds us that “Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, kindles the true light of chastity.” Fasting really frees us, and opens us for a better connection with the Lord, the opportunity to hear His voice better in our lives. As much as fasting can be a struggle, the challenge is so worth it!

                And just in case your Lent has been going really rotten so far, all your Lenten plans have failed, and you feel more sinful than ever, just remember… God is so, so merciful! If Lent has been a total flop, it’s ok. Pick yourself up and remember just how loved you are! As Saint Teresa of Calcutta reminds us, "As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst…He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you.” If nothing else, immerse yourself in the love of Jesus. It is so true, He just wants to hold us in His loving, strong, protecting arms and remind us of the goodness and love He created within us. Happy and holy Lent my fellow Christian soldiers!