It’s important to have a grateful spirit. To look at life and everything in it as a
gift from God. This Lenten time away
from Netflix I am so thankful for books and the easy access (I have) to
periodicals and all types of writings. These
past forty days I have read an abundance of literature on the saints, the Pope’s
Exhortation, Christian spirituality and just plain fun pieces. I have learned a great deal, but most
importantly have gotten to know God deeper…
In the past I never really understood the power of fasting and abstinence nor the
fruits that come from such a sacrifice.
This is the first Lent (since my conversion) that I seriously observed in
true Catholic form. I learned the power
of following the traditions of the Catholic Church. You see, our church is very
wise in offering us simple ways to celebrate the different times in Jesus’
life. However, sometimes the simple ways
get so diluted and distorted that no fruits are produced and instead of blaming
ourselves for our inadequacy we blame the church and its "old ways."
I never understood fasting until this year. Giving up Netflix really changed my
life! I never imagined that abstaining from awesome BBC Television Series would teach me the true meaning and effects of a
fast done right (smile). It was a
struggle, especially because during the forty days I went through a depressive
phase where I had very little energy to do anything at all. Many days I almost fell into the temptation
of watching a show thinking that breaking the fast wouldn’t hurt a soul; but,
instead I offered my sacrifice for various intentions and occupied my time
following my Lenten plan. As I look back
now, with still a few days remaining, I know that my small penance in addition
to my dedication to prayer and almsgiving really brought transformation. I learned that fasting without prayer doesn’t
work! That in ordered to reap the
rewards of the Lenten Season I need to follow the ritual as the Catholic Church
instructs me. If I follow the
indications of the church (in fasting, praying and almsgiving) then I am inviting
Jesus to remain in me- to occupy more of me and I am allowing the change that
is occurring in me to affect my community.
This happened to my seven-year-old nephew, he joined me in my Lenten lifestyle
and he began to want more of God too!
Spending time at the Library and used Book Store....
This discipline of fasting and abstinence really inspired my
faith, my prayer life increased and I am so looking forward to Easter! It helped me realize that though it takes
tremendous discipline - taming the body is possible. That fasting and abstinence quiets the body
so that our minds can open up to the realities of the spiritual realm… In the pains of wanting to satisfy my thirst
with a cold Coka-Cola I understood that I have the self-control to give up
unhealthy foods. This discovery motivated
my desire to shed weight and I grasped that I can temporarily hurt for the
betterment of self. These past six weeks
have been a time of such blessings and all because I followed the wisdom of my
church. During my prayer sessions, God
spoke to me personally and gave me the strength to press on. I realized that change can be good and that
we always have areas that need more of God and thus more conversion!
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