On this Fat Tuesday, preparing ourselves not just to clear out the refrigerator, the readings are once again good doses for our consumption.
"When you come to serve the Lord, .... prepare yourself for trial." And, isn't this what Lent is about? However, the greater benefit to our spiritual life in Lent is to use the time more for listening than simply trying to lose some weight, stop smoking, refraining from alcohol. Sirach, again, gives us a clue to what can be a good Lent: "Be sincere of heart and steadfast, incline your ear and receive the word of understanding, undisturbed in time of adversity."
The message is clear. Lent is a time of prayer when we can have some silent time to better help us seek to know the Lord God. We have to incline our ears to the method that allows for our Creator God to speak to us.
The gospel today is a teaching moment for the apostles as well as ourselves. Think not so much about yourselves as to turn your attention and care outside of yourselves.
Today, if you really have the intention in your heart to make Lent a meaningful journey of faith this year, then decide TODAY what it is that you will do for the season of Lent. To delay the decision is simply to avoid beginning, to avoid facing ourselves with the realities that we need address in our lives.
Lent is a retreat. I wish each of you, dear readers, to become involved in an experience of seeking the Lord and his will for you. May your ears open, your heart become more understanding and your will strengthened.
When you come to have your forehead marked with the visible sign of the beginning of the season, let it be a very public reminder to yourself not only that it is the first day of Lent but that you, a Catholic, have decided to take Lent seriously in an effort to strengthen your relationship with God.
