Lent's begun and with it the invitation to enter the wilderness with Christ and commit ourselves to the spiritual battle against evil. I've found Benedict XVI's reflections helpful, here's an excerpt:
What is the essence of the three temptations to which Jesus is subjected? It is the proposal to exploit God, to use him for one’s own interests, for one’s own glory and for one’s own success. And therefore, essentially to put oneself in God’s place, removing him from one’s own existence and making him seem superfluous. Each one of us must therefore ask him- or herself: what place does God have in my life? Is he the Lord or am I?
You can read the whole thing here and while we're at it, the Ash Wednesday Collect which governs the season.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God bless,
LSP
First, I must confess that I can resist anything but temptation.
ReplyDeleteHaving so confessed, the act of fasting if accompanied with prayer, is good for the soul. It's nice to be able to have a retreat where you are not surrounded by things of the world so that you can better examine who you are and take stock of yourself. "Tell me what you love and I'll tell you who you are."
Living in the middle of the wilderness, an hour's drive from the nearest store or "civilization", or anything that "the world" values has been an interesting exercise. No convenience stores, no traffic noise, nobody playing loud music, no dogs barking, just the odd coyote or wolf howling, or owls asking the eternal question, "who".
I've given up fasting. And bad manicures. And chocolate. That's a big sacrifice on my part.
ReplyDeleteI had a perfect start to Lent when I couldn't get out our road to go to Mass and receive ashes. Sacrifice started!
ReplyDeleteTell your handsome friend that I'm loving The Soul of the Apostolate by Chautard. Best spiritual book I'm gotten in just forever.
That's a lot to give up, Juliette, but sometimes it's important to take things on, like sorting out BREXIT. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLL, I'm trying to take the fasting business to the next level this year and get closer to what's important. The mine sounds like a similar kind of thing and, if the silence gets too much, you can always shoot.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of coyotes, they're a bit out control here. Can't hear them in town but go out into the country a short ways and they're LOUD.
Have a blessed Lent, Linda!
ReplyDeleteI'll be sure to pass that on, Adrienne. It was read out loud during the retreat's meals and sounded excellent. Far better than your average modern rubbish.
ReplyDelete