Following Where the Spirit Sends You

It's another Lent, and another time for soul searching about what to do. Give something up? Take on a Lenten project? My husband has embarked on a fasting schedule that to me is truly daunting. But at Mass today, the words of the first reading from Isaiah resounded in my mind and my soul. Why do you not benefit from your fasting? Look at what you do when you fast, abuse your workers, speak harshly to others, no love for Me or your fellow man is in your heart. It became apparent to me that what is most important about our sacrifices, whether we are giving up or taking on, is our attitude.

My mom was reminiscing with me about her sister-in-law's mother, long since gone to her eternal reward, with a statement about her Lenten fasting habits. "She had nothing but black coffee for those forty days and was the nastiest human being you ever met." Wow! Of course many people took on some pretty severe fasting practices back in those days, but if your mortification left you feeling (and acting) like Cruella de Ville just how much good is it doing you, or anyone else?

My next thoughts sent me to contemplating Jesus' period of fasting and praying in the desert. He was "led by the Spirit" to disengage from life with others to pursue a time of reflection, communion with the Father and mortification of His body. This time was to prepare Him to follow the Father's will, to publicly minister to others and ultimately suffer, die, and rise to redeem us. I think that takes pretty intense preparation.

The season of Lent is our time of preparation. Each person needs to take time to listen to the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus did, so you know what to do during this time. Just as the Spirit's gifts to each of us are different, so His path of preparation during Lent will be different. Some will be called to fast from food or drink, others will be called to speak kindly to others, to show great patience, to work with others who need our time, talent or treasure. We don't know what we are called to do until we listen.

Remember, the Spirit is always gently with us. We just need to listen and follow Him.