First Week of Lent

A week ago was Ash Wednesday.  At that point, I was not really sure what shape my Lenten commitment would take...and I opted for resolutions that amounted to trying to do more of something but there was not much substance to the commitment.  I often find that when my commitment to anything is that vague it probably means that I really need to continue praying about my willingness to commit.

That being said...I spent the first two days of Lent feeling like vital was missing--like I was searching for something just beyond my reach.  By Friday evening, I was finally at a point where I had to rework my Lenten commitment to something that incorporated more willingness to change and clarity.  There were no other options for me at this point.  So I took my initial thought (that this Lent I am being called to increased conversion) and listed the things that were standing in the way of this continued growth.  Once I prioritized my list, I began to see that in some subtle ways my use to technology and media was starting to take over many parts of my life.  Between Facebook, my e-Reader, YouTube, ipods, and various apps, I was starting to lose a sense of what is really important for my life and for my well being.  As much as I hesitated on this, I have decided to restrict my use of technology or extra media to ministry related purposes during the week. 

This past week's experience has reminded me of the monastic adage that the task of the true monastic is to constantly get up and try again after every stumble or falter.  This saying gives me hope since it focuses on the effort to improve rather than the achievement of a goal.

Please pray for our community's School of Lectio which begins this evening.  May God bless of the participants and staff.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

On Lenten Observance

Today is Ash Wednesday.  We begin our annual pilgrimage toward Easter; which although only 40 days away might feel more like a life-time's distance.

I am not a person who is a fan of penance, suffering, discipline or self-denial.  I prefer a more relaxed, let things be type of life--I know this kind of thinking can lead to life being a bit superficial but it doesn't have to be. 

Late yesterday evening, after our Mardi Gras Party, I was considering various practices I might adopt this Lent.  As I re-read Chapter 49 in the Rule of St. Benedict, I was struck by the first verse referring to our life being shaped with a lenten quality all year long.  I began wondering if maybe there was a subtle message behind that verse; maybe an invitation to consider Lent in a new way this year.  I followed up on some of the references connected with this verse and found a connection to a catechetical sermon by St. Leo I.  In this teaching, St. Leo was encouraging all christians to adopt increase their self-discipline in the areas of food and drink so that they would be prepared for the adversity in more important matters. 

So what does this have to do with my Lent in 2013?

I reflected back on this past year.  It has been a year filled with tons of growth and new insights.  So maybe this year's invitation is to continue the growth that has begun and transfer some of the skills that I learned into other areas of my life.

May God's grace bless your Lenten observance this year.

Sr. Catherine, OSB