My Awakening Moment on the Value of Suffering
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This year I am doing the “No Buy” Lent with the Ignatian Solidarity Network. I gave up all unnecessary buying and browsing goods I don’t need on the Internet and in stores. It’s challenging for sure. I had no idea how much stuff I don’t need showed up in my social media feeds on a daily basis!
There are many intentions behind this Lenten promise. To live more simply. To reduce my carbon footprint on the environment. To give more to those who need it. To be wiser with my spending. To want less and appreciate what I have more. To reduce the time I spend shopping and in stores, and spend more of that on prayer.
When I’m tempted to browse or buy, I’m using it as a trigger to pray or do something for God. It feels like this year I finally understand how Jesus faced temptation and His model for all of us to follow. When He’s tempted, He dismisses the devil and turns to God. So should I.
This is how we face and conquer temptation: We return to God each and every time.
There will be temptations to give up whatever we’re fasting from. I’ve never had a Lent that didn’t tempt me to return to a bad habit I was trying to give up. But those temptations can serve as a trigger to pray, do something for God, or give something to God if we turn our attention back to the Lord.
Temptation is the trigger…not the trigger to give in… but the trigger to turn back to God like Jesus did.
Katie Zalany lives in Cleveland Ohio. She is a Third Order Secular Franciscan (OFS), spiritual director, benefits/wellness leader, certified health and life coach, and volunteer. She is the creator of the ministry Women in Waiting | Made for Fruitfulness and is a published author. Her writing interests and focus areas include Gospel reflections, Franciscan spirituality, women's spirituality, prayer, and integration of faith and daily living.
