Ash Wednesday

Fall in love! At the risk of sounding like Fr. Mike Schmitz (the Youtube “sensation”), MAN OH MAN! Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent and I started my day reflecting on what the season means for me. Actually, it started yesterday when my friend asked me what I was “giving up.” In response I explained I preferred to focus more on building my relationship with God as opposed to just giving something up. I get it, giving something up indicates sacrifice.

Sacrifice

Sacrifice serves a purpose. Oftentimes, when we sacrifice we are thinking less of ourselves and more on someone else. In the same vein, our sacrifices during Lent serve to help us focus more on God and building a deeper relationship with Him. However, sacrifice comes in more forms than just denial. “What are you giving up?” is a common question when Lent is approaching. But it’s not the only question we could be asking. “What are you adding to your routine?”; “How will you draw closer to God this Lent and beyond?”

Several years ago, I got the sense that the whole purpose of the sacrifice during Lent was to change our ways long enough to develop a habit that goes well beyond the 40 days. It’s not just about the 40 days, it’s not just about running the marathon and resting afterward. It’s about working out and developing that muscle that’s going to serve us and give us strength well into the future.

An Intro to Love

So today, I began reading The Ascension Lenten Companion: A Personal Encounter with the Power of the Gospel. I’ve done this series for Advent and Lent the past few years and they are powerful! I want to share here what Fr. Mark Toups shares in his Introduction. It’s a quote from Joseph Whelan’s blog post “Fall in Love” at Ignatianspirituality.com. He writes: Nothing is more practical than finding God, than falling in Love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, whom you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in Love, stay in love, and it will decide everything. Ponder that!

Who is He?

Here’s something else to ponder this day – Jesus’ question: Who do YOU say that I am? That’s what we were given to ponder in the Lenten Companion. Who do YOU say that I am? The more I thought about it, the more I realized I’m not “saying” much. I’m not saying much about who Jesus is to anyone I encounter because I just assume people already know who Jesus is. I assume! We all know what happens when we assume. So I realize now how important it is for me to share who Jesus is to ME. Who do I say that He is?

For me, Jesus is my brother, friend, teacher and indwelling Spirit. Yes He is Savior, Redeemer and so many other things. But as I continue to build a relationship with Him, He becomes more relatable. He’s not a being somewhere out there or up there anymore. He’s here, now!

It takes two

I recognize that all relationships are two way streets and my relationship with Jesus is no different. Just as He works to offer me all that’s good, true and beautiful, I hope to be able to offer him the best of myself as well.

So how does this two way street work? As my brother Jesus offers me unconditional love. As His sister, I too offer him my unconditional love. I love Him just as much when bad things happen as when good things happen. Jesus offers me unwavering support as a friend. As His friend, I put all my trust in Him. I always say Jesus came to Earth to teach us how life is done. As my teacher, He sets an example and I am his devoted student. I’m devoted to learning all He has to teach and I relish the journey. As an indwelling Spirit He’s always with me. As a temple of the Spirit I reciprocate His Presence by always being present and aware enough to shine His light everywhere I go – at least that’s my hope. I know with His grace it’s all possible.

Godspeed!

At the start of Lent this year, be mindful of the intention behind the sacrifice you choose. Will whatever you’re doing help you draw closer to God and are you hoping to continue it after Lent is over? Are you ready to fall deeper in love? Share your ideas and hopes with our community. God bless you and may your Lent be uncomfortable in a good way!