This was my first year experiencing Lent (RCIA, baptized/confirmed this coming Easter Vigil) and I wasn’t sure what to give up for lent (not that its about giving something up but it was something I wanted to do personally) and I thought about it a lot and saw over the years a lot of people give up something silly like chocolate or alcohol or something that might be challenging in its own right, but nothing that really seems important. At least to me it didn’t seem important looking in from the outside, but that’s my opinion. What I decided to try (haven’t been able to succeed but am trying) is to devote an hour every night to prayer/reading scriptures/reflection/sharing the faith with friends or even strangers if the possibility presents itself, etc. Anything related to increasing or solidifying my faith and when possible, sharing it with others.
I try doing that anyways but the hardest part for me on this journey has been my prayer life. I was never raised in any faith tradition and while I always believed in God, simply believing was the extent of my relationship with Him. I’d occasionally pray when I needed or wanted something (not always just for myself) but all the same, a very selfish and one sided attempt at a relationship. Needless to say it didn’t work out so well.
I have no issues with the Church or the faith to slow me down on my journey. Some of my friends in my RCIA class come from protestant backgrounds and it took them a bit longer to accept (on their own terms) the veneration of Mary and Saints (and understanding its not praying to them but asking them to pray for us). I, on the other hand, was very thankful and blessed to have such a stubborn Irish mind. The Vatican could tell me that grass is blue and I would believe them. Anyways, just thought I’d share my story for lent. Kind of went on a tangent there (apologies everyone, I type as fast as I talk so my messages can derail and go on for a long time)
I pray everyone have a blessed season of Lent and prepare for Easter and truly contemplate what Christ did for us on the cross as well as what He does for us every day
God Bless!
