March 8, 2017
We
are about a week into the time of year that can be considered a “spring
training” for Catholics. Lent is an opportunity for us to imitate Christ by
renewing our spiritual discipline prior to the glorious resurrection of our Lord
on Easter. The ashes that launch this journey remind us of our own sinfulness
and draw us into mourning for our Lord and the price He willingly paid for our
salvation. It is an opportunity for renewal.
So, how is that journey going for you so far?!?
It’s easy to see Lent as a time where we simply remove things from
our lives that we want, but perhaps do not need. Giving up chocolate (or social
media, which seems to be the new chocolate) for forty days and fasting from
meat on Fridays can be a recipe for building mild levels of virtue, but how can
you turn that voluntary sacrifice into a lasting experience of faith? Relating
our Lenten sacrifice and spiritual practices to what brings success to those in
addiction recovery can provide some answers. Furthermore, it can offer some
encouragement to renew your commitment over the next several weeks, even if you
haven’t gotten off to a great start.
A
theme has been ringing through what I have heard a lot of people (both addicts
and non-addicts) share in some fashion lately. Some version of, “I always told
myself that I never wanted to end up like that,” has come out of the mouths of
people who did, eventually, turn out like that. It happens without the
person realizing it until much later on, when they recognize that the thing they
were running from is the thing that has been running them for a long
time. Much of it is rooted in fear, which drives our behavior much more than we
would like to admit (there is a reason that when we do our fourth-step inventory
we dedicate an entire section to our fears).
Constantly reminding yourself of what you are not going
to do has never been a strategy that I have seen work out too well. In fact,
obsessing over it can have the opposite effect. When the thing we’re trying to
remove from our routine is constantly running through our minds, we tend to want
it more. We get pulled to it, often without realizing it until it’s too late.
Once we do realize it, feelings of shame and unworthiness appear and keep us
from believing that we even deserve better. Lost in all of this is the spiritual
meaning of Lent in the first place—to unite us with the suffering Christ while
shedding our earthly attachments.
Instead of mentally obsessing about that thing you’re looking to
give up (whether temporarily or permanently), try shifting your focus on what
can be gained. By the grace of God, you have a great opportunity to make a
difference in your life and the lives of others. This gift is given to you
today, regardless of how well you’ve kept to your Lenten offering or other
promises you’ve made to yourself. Have a vision of the best version of yourself
and get into action! The Church suggests increased prayer and almsgiving
(sharing your resources) through fasting. Here are a few other things that can
bring lasting fruit and fullness to your life this Lent:
- Make a commitment to a small support group or bible study
- Dust off the daily devotional you’ve thrown in your desk drawer and commit ten minutes to it each day
- Sponsor someone in recovery or be available to those in your parish that are preparing to receive sacraments during Easter
- Reach out to individuals that you have not heard from in a while
- Replace the radio with prayer during your morning commute
- With money saved from your fast, buy a meal or a household essential for someone less fortunate
- Communicate with others about what they’ve found to be helpful practices and share some of your success in our community forums
Ash Wednesday is not the only day during Lent that allows
spiritual growth to begin. At this point, even if you have come up short of the
goals you’ve set, it is not too late. Clean house, serve God, help others. A
shift in your attitude and approach this Lent can have an impact for the rest of
your life… but is best when taken one day at a time.