Light Against the Darkness…A Different Kind of Lent

As we enter the desert of this year’s Lent, many of us feel powerless and discouraged. This is a time ripe for God to be God. When we are weak we are strong. I suggest we make use of these times to spend Lent in a somewhat different way to keep the darkness from winning.

Prayer:  Rather than add extra “prayers” to your Lenten days, set aside time, maybe ten minutes, to just let God look at you. This is more difficult than you think. You do nothing…except look at God looking. You will feel helpless. You need to feel helpless because you are helpless. You will be teaching yourself to trust totally in God. Then make it a practice all day long, as you fold the laundry, wait at a red light, push the shopping cart down the aisle…to gently go back to that gaze. Intentionally go in and out all day. You will be training your consciousness to gradually develop the ability to “pray always.”

Fasting :  If you have been told you are overweight or obese, don’t change your diet but cut your food portions in half. You will not starve, but you will suddenly be leaving the table “not full.” You will be training your palate to do with less. If this is not your situation, check how you rush from one activity to another, as if a whip were over your head. When you wake in the morning plan how you can go gently from one activity of the day to the next. Fast from the subtle self-violent rushing that rules many of us, keeping us in worry and tension. Fast from it.

Almsgiving :  In the spirit of the Racine Dominican community effort to be more aware of the unconscious racism that we carry, find a lovely small bowl in your cupboard. Make it your “begging bowl” for lent. Toss your extra change in it during lent. Choose a charity of your choice that serves black children, elderly, or poor families. When Holy Week comes, convert your gathered change into paper money or a check and visit the place you have chosen, to personally deliver the money. Spend a bit of time finding out about the place. Make it an investment of time as well as money.

Surround this humble effort with the Word of God. Read the first reading for the coming day just before you fall off to sleep. In the morning read the Gospel…behind the words see the Word speaking directly to you. Lent means “springtime.” May it mean the greening of your soul.

 

I’m ready.

Time for spring housecleaning.

No mere wishful thinking.

Instead, a firm act of the will –

This is what I will do.

You are always aware of me.

I will try to be more aware of You.

I will fast from what makes me miserable.

I will give what I can to those who don’t have what they need.

Amen.