Lenten "loopholes"

[cheddarsox]

This is something I’ve been thinking about. Loopholes.

Why we should watch out for them, like potholes, because I think that is what they are, on our spiritual roads. When we find ourselves keeping closer accounts of when, how much, etc of the details of what we “gave up for Lent” than we do of our check books, prescription medicines…we should be paying attention.

If the devil is in the details, the learning is in the loopholes. Where do we find ourselves rationalizing that “well…this doesn’t really count”? There we will find our hidden attatchments, our real hurdles and pot holes.

Sometimes in Lent…we find our focus more on “what can I get away with” rather than “what can I be loosed from”, what can I give up.

Because isn’t Lent really a season of breaking our attachments and dependance upon things that do not nourish the soul, that we might develop a hunger for that which does?

In preparation for the season of fasting, do you find yourself planning to give up ten things, in hopes that will make up for that one thing you just don’t want to have to part with? I do.

Maybe we’re just not ready yet, to give that thing up. Maybe we have to practice with the others first. To be convinced that when we make room in our lives, God will fill it with something better. Once we’re convinced…then we’ll be ready to give up that one last thing…or at least be willing to budge on the issue.

Ah…those loopholes…little nooses that hang in our lives, waiting to snag us, choke us, pull us up short. Lent is not a formula, it’s a journey. That is so wonderful, we get somewhere, not by following a recipe, but by making a real effort, over the course of forty days.

Lent doesn’t happen to us, we make it. A yearly pilgramage.

Keep an eye on those loopholes, those places where you find yourself saying “well, this doesn’t count, doesn’t matter…just this once…” Those are exactly the places where we might need to most use our spiritual muscles…to let go. Breathe through them, pray through them, laugh at yourself through them, offer them up.

And have a blessed Lent.

 

[Andruschak]

In preparation for the season of fasting, do you find yourself planning to give up ten things, in hopes that will make up for that one thing you just don’t want to have to part with? I do.
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As a wet-behind-the-ears RCIA Candidate, I have to ask this question. Since I am observing the full Lenten fast, all 40 days of it, is there a spiritual need for even more?

 

[Della]

As a wet-behind-the-ears RCIA Candidate, I have to ask this question. Since I am observing the full Lenten fast, all 40 days of it, is there a spiritual need for even more?

Take from me, a Catholic now for 20 years and formation director of my parish’s Carmelite Lay Association group, it’s not usually a good idea to load yourself down with too many penances–it leads to failure and so discouragement. It is much better to decide on one thing you can do and be faithful to that, especially when you are new to the faith.

 

[Andruschak]

Take from me, a Catholic now for 20 years and formation director of my parish’s Carmelite Lay Association group, it’s not usually a good idea to load yourself down with too many penances–it leads to failure and so discouragement. It is much better to decide on one thing you can do and be faithful to that, especially when you are new to the faith.

Thank you for your (name removed by moderator)ut and good advice. The Lenten fast it is, and no need for anything else.