We are now in the first week of Lent. Not only for Christians who follow the Liturgical Year, but the six weeks before Easter is a wonderful time for all of us to take time to reflect on our lives.
One
way to reflect on our lives is to consider these two lists:
Capital Sins: – Opposing Virtues:
Pride – Humility
Envy – Mercy
Anger – Meekness
Greed – Generosity
Lust – Chastity
Gluttony – Temperance
Sloth – Diligence
So
how about this Lent we pick just one of the Capital Sins that we feel we need
to work on? As we look at our life, what stands out right now? Only take one
(do something achievable!).
Once
we choose the Sin, then notice its Opposing Virtue. At the same time as we work
on avoiding the Sin, we will also be working on acquiring that Virtue. Two
sides of the same coin. Sometimes it’s easier for our minds to focus on the
positive – the virtue – rather than keeping our focus on the negative – the Sin
to avoid. If a person focuses on increasing the virtue of generosity, automatically
a propensity towards greed will be lessened.
The
next step is to figure out what means to use: what will be the strategy that we
know will work for us to overcome (or at least lessen) that sin and acquire
more of that virtue? Just having a good intention isn’t enough. If I know I
want to visit an aunt in Atlanta, that’s not enough! I need to find out where
Atlanta is, how to get there, what transportation to use, do I have the money, I
have to buy the ticket, take time off work, etc. OK, so if we do that for
ordinary things, can’t we do that for spiritual things? Yes!
So figure out what means you will use. Do you
need to understand more about what the sin or virtue is, then how will you find
out? (Book? Internet? Ask?) Do you write
out some cards and keep them by the bed, bathroom mirror, kitchen cabinet, in
the car, to remind you of your resolution? Do you use some tangible object
(picture, candle, cross) to remind you? (We Catholics have many such things
which we call “sacramentals” – medals, scapulars, crucifix.) Do you ask your
spouse or friend for help? Do you make a committed time for prayer each day –
even if only for a few minutes? Is there anything you need to throw away or
give up? Or just not use for Lent (and so put out of sight to resist
temptation)? These are your means.
So
come up with your own individualized plan, and then ask God for the grace.
At Our Lady of Lourdes, we are having a Lenten Parish Retreat for all of Lent. Every Thursday evening, after the 5:30 PM Mass, we have Adoration of the Holy Eucharist. Every Tuesday, after the 5:30 PM Mass, and repeated Wednesday after the 9:00 AM Mass, we have a talk on how the Hebrew/Jewish Scriptures, their Liturgy, and Messianic hope, is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, with special reference to the Eucharist “Given for You.” All are welcome.
Dibby Allan Green