Meep in my little prayer corner. I went to Mass on Ash Wednesday. The readings that kick off the six weeks of Lent are potent. Two phrases stayed with me, and I pulled a pen out of my purse to scribble them down in my little notebook.
"Rend your heart and not your garments."
I can sometimes veer into trying to 'do' Lent perfectly -- so this Lent, I am NOT giving up on my usual list of chips, wine, chocolate, sugar, and TV. Because then it becomes like a 40-day religious version of Tough Mudder, in which I want to prove how spiritually rugged I can be.
And that misses the point. Lent is much more about being vulnerable and humble, about opening our hearts to compassion and brokenness - not only of those around us, but our own frailty - a frailty which we - okay, I -- scramble to cover over with a list of to-dos, a busy work and social schedule, and avoiding quiet by distancing myself from myself with TV, Internet, and social media.
"Rend your heart and not your garments."
I can sometimes veer into trying to 'do' Lent perfectly -- so this Lent, I am NOT giving up on my usual list of chips, wine, chocolate, sugar, and TV. Because then it becomes like a 40-day religious version of Tough Mudder, in which I want to prove how spiritually rugged I can be.
And that misses the point. Lent is much more about being vulnerable and humble, about opening our hearts to compassion and brokenness - not only of those around us, but our own frailty - a frailty which we - okay, I -- scramble to cover over with a list of to-dos, a busy work and social schedule, and avoiding quiet by distancing myself from myself with TV, Internet, and social media.
Oh, sure -- I'm still giving up chocolate and television. And I'm toying with the idea of giving up speeding on the freeway; I think I'd feel a lot more peaceful if I didn't think I had to try to out-accelerate the Tesla in the next lane while driving my '97 Camry driving down Route 280 to work in the morning. And I want to take the TV time and use it for reading and reflection and creativity.
The other phrase was "...and a willing spirit sustain in me." That speaks to me of being open & vulnerable, willing to let go of my stubbornness and my ego. Which I can do for a moment. But to sustain it -- that calls for me to be still and listen and appreciate who God is and who I am. If I can cultivate those things, maybe I'll be able to listen to that 'still, small voice' -- the leanings of my heart and the whisperings of the Spirit.
Wishing you blessings and a soft heart toward yourself, the people you love - and the people you don't - this Lent.
The other phrase was "...and a willing spirit sustain in me." That speaks to me of being open & vulnerable, willing to let go of my stubbornness and my ego. Which I can do for a moment. But to sustain it -- that calls for me to be still and listen and appreciate who God is and who I am. If I can cultivate those things, maybe I'll be able to listen to that 'still, small voice' -- the leanings of my heart and the whisperings of the Spirit.
Wishing you blessings and a soft heart toward yourself, the people you love - and the people you don't - this Lent.
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