Many spiritual writers and spiritual directors encourage us to wholeheartedly enter into the Lenten season and make it a personal forty-day retreat, a true “wilderness” experience like that of Jesus. Unfortunately, the reality is that Lent may be the most hectic season of the year for catechetical leaders. We may be busy preparing children and their families for Eucharist and Confirmation. Maybe we are journeying with adult candidates in the RCIA. And don’t forget all the additional liturgical and catechetical opportunities parishes offer during Lent. Ironically, as we work diligently to provide meaningful Lenten experiences for our parishioners, we find that Lent may be the most difficult time of the year for our own personal spiritual growth.
If you’re finding yourself with a scarcity of time this year, I offer two suggestions. First, try this simple four-minute retreat. Reflect on the following questions. Remember to consider your personal life outside of your professional ministry. Then choose one thing you can do this Lent that may help you prepare to celebrate the Risen Christ at Easter.
• Do I value my baptismal call to live as a child of God? Do I put effort into living as a child of God? Where does living as a child of God fall on my list of priorities?
• Am I aware of the unique gifts that God has given to me to share? Do I focus on my strengths rather than my weaknesses? Do I put these gifts to good use?
• Do I have an attitude of gratitude that helps me recognize the many blessings in my life? Do I thank God in prayer?
• Do I give out of love rather than a sense of obligation? Do I give of my first fruits or whatever is left over?
• Do I focus on what I think I need or do I utilize what I already have or what is within my means? Do I trust in God’s care for me? Do I trust that God will provide all I need?
• Do I treasure the gift of faith and share it with others? Am I comfortable talking about my faith with others? Do we pray together and talk about faith as a family?
• Do I give witness to my faith every day through what I say and how I interact with others? Do I continue to do the work of Jesus in the world today and make a difference?
My second suggestion is to consider postponing your personal “Lent” to a time of year that lends itself more easily to reflection and renewal. For me, summer is the season when I can “retreat” and focus on my own spiritual growth. I choose a book to read and get more involved in service. So, take a look at your calendar. You may find that your “Lent” could be in July.
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