In today’s video, I talk about Lenten sacrifices. Our sacrifices should help us move toward changes that endure.
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Making Lenten Sacrifices That Stick
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
How bizarre? Before I listened to the video but saw the title I was about to regale the tale of “me Ma” and the sugar in tea. Same result as yourself Paul. She couldn’t stand it thereafter. I, meanwhile, gave up alcohol for lent in my final year at Uni. Fortunately the same miracle came about too – I still quite like a drop
God gives us what He knows we need. At the risk of sounding a bit flippant – Me Ma had a seriously sweet tooth and cutting a bit of sugar out was obviously needed while I needed to protect what was left of the grey matter in the run up to my finals.
Paul, your brief message has the potential of being transformational in our lives. At RCIA last evening one of the sponsors shared that for the first time, he had worn ashes on Ash Wednesday to work. He is an executive in a large corporation so it was a major step for him involving lots of questions and the opportunity to quietly witness to his faith. He is now finding that Lent has so much more meaning for him this year. We discussed the reason for that and I believe that it is our attitude that makes the difference. We need to be very intentional during Lent and over the period of 40 days we can adopt new ways of walking with God more deliberately and more intentionally. This is part of our ongoing conversion and there will be lasting effects on our spiritual lives long after Lent.
This is a bit frivolous. When I was in the 3rd Weeknof my 30 day retreat, my director suggested I might add an actbof penance. The only thing I could. think of was not having milk in my tea. I’m not keen on tea at the best of times and the thought of no milk filled me with dread. At breakfast next morning I ate whatever I was having while looking at my milkless tea with trepidation. Finally I took the plunge and started to drink – and I thought, “This is rather nice”! I think I decided after that that God was happy with my attempt and I didn’t try to do anything else.
As I scroll down to read the comments the words of wisdom caught my eye too – “You have to say no to something else in order to make time to pray”.
ps.Last year for Lent I gave up cigarettes and have not had one since – not even a crafty puff of someone elses.! Do I want to? Of course I do!I don’t class myself as a non-smoker though, just someone who is’nt smoking right now, as I think it will be a one day at a time thing for a long time.I did, however, go onto Nicorette gum and for Lent this year giving that up so far!
Fortunately, my husband has been very supportive so with that in mind just had a thought that each time I want a cigarette I perhaps should offer a prayer for him.
Good stuff Paul. I have been a real slacker this year, although have surprisingly stuck to my Lenten sacrifice. Usually it is a vibrant season for me, but this year I am just sitting back and taking it all in. I am questioning why I am not motivated but I am not really feeling any guilt about it. It didn’t help that the day after was Valentines Day, then kid’s school vacation and then my birthday…any other distractions?
Yes! In the meantime, my husband was just laid off (on my birthday!) and I have been covered in a quiet calm about it all which leads me to believe that some of the things that I have done all of the those other years have, indeed, stuck! I trust, (something I had to really work on), I believe that God always takes us to a better place and as I said to my kids when I was telling them the turn of events, “I don’t just say this stuff, I really believe it.” God will provide and all shall be well….just keep plugging along.
God knows my heart. So sitting next to God and just being is working for me.
Annette, after reading your post, (part of which resonated with me, ie birthday, in my case husband does’nt yet know how long he will have his job for) I am trying to focus on your last sentence. Alas, I need to remind myself more about God knowing my heart. I know I need to listen to him only with my heart but find it so hard to do.
Thank you.
The idea of a “Lenten sacrifice sticking” is timely for me this year. As a volunteer with 40 Days for Life I was challenged to add a 24 hour fast (liquids only) to the public vigil. The fast day was an eye opener for me. I was so aware of my body complaining and my soul gently requesting patience and fortitude. I had been afraid to try. I hope I continue with my new plan to fast for a day on a weekly basis.