Let Lent “be done!”

How are you doing? Are you doing? I ask because these past few days of prayer and reflection keep leading me to ponder the idea of surrender. Surrender how? By focusing less on what I’m“doing” for Lent and allowing Lent to be done to me. I’m called to think less of what I’M going to “accomplish” and focus more on what God wants to accomplish in me. In other words, to take on a posture of receptivity as opposed to striving. Think of the story of Martha and Mary.

It’s so important to take the time to offer our intentions to God and ask for His guidance, even in the little things. For me, the next forty or so days will be a time of intent listening to how God desires to speak into my life. I’m open to the possibility that it could lead to changes in the intentions I’ve set for Lent.

I guess what I’m getting at is: every journey has its detours, twists and turns. Our Lenten journey is no different. I invite you to join me this year in changing your approach to Lent. Change your posture. Be receptive. Open your ears to God’s still, small voice. Open your mind and heart to the possibility of changing intentions mid-season if, after taking it to prayer, you feel it’s what you’re being called to do.

Today’s reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah says: “Lo, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits, and drive all your laborers. Yes, your fast ends in quarreling and fighting, striking with wicked claw. Would that today you might fast so as to make your voice heard on high! Is this the manner of fasting I wish, of keeping a day of penance: that a man bow his head like a reed and lie in sackcloth and ashes? Do you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? This rather is the fasting I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the things of the yoke, setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry; sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.

This verse reminds us that the focus of our Lenten plans should be more than personal pursuits. Here God challenges us to fast in ways we may have never imagined. Whatever way we choose to “fast” should lead to change and action. No matter what you may think – YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO CHANGE! Remember: nothing is impossible for God and He needs all the members of his Body to participate in His plan. You are valuable, worthy and necessary! Ask God to lead you EVERYWHERE! God bless you!