Tuesday, the Fifth Week of Lent

   We are now thirty days into Lent.  Maybe it’s time for us to look back and see how we’ve done so far. Have we kept our chosen Lenten sacrifice or have we cheated?  Have we taken the time to really evaluate our faith life or just continued as usual?  What have done to improve our prayer life?

   Over the years I’ve done as probably most of us have.  Sometimes I’ve been too aggressive in what I gave up for Lent; and failed.  Other times I’ve been too easy on myself and found that I felt a bit guilty for not doing more.  I’m ashamed to say that there have also been years when I did virtually nothing for Lent.  I suspect I’m not the only one who has gone through these ups and downs over the years.

   Recently I’ve found that giving up something material, such as sweets or bread or whatever, isn’t nearly as meaningful as giving of myself.  Going to daily Mass more often seems to be a better choice than giving up coffee.  Finding a worthy charity to support during Lent suits me better than not having that piece of pie.

   Of course Lent is a very personal experience.  So what I find appropriate may not suit you at all.  For a chocoholic abstaining from chocolate for Lent can be a very substantial sacrifice.  For others it may be the easy way out.  Each of us should do what is most meaningful for us.

   We must also remember that we are not perfect; we are fallen creatures.  So we are very likely to be less faithful than we should with our Lenten observance.  But we must also remember that Jesus recognizes our struggles.  He will forgive our failings and strengthen us in our continued efforts.

   So as we enter the last ten days of Lent let’s refocus our efforts.  Get back to our chosen sacrifice or, if that one was an overreach, choose another.  There is still time to improve our prayer life and strengthen our relationship with God.

   I believe God is pleased by our efforts for self-improvement in our spiritual life and welcomes the opportunity to help us in those efforts.  We have a loving, merciful God to turn to in our struggles.  He will help if we only ask.