February 24-25: Lent Continues

A couple of reminders about this holy season might be in order in this first full week of Lent.

First, no one is asking us to go from zero to “great saint” this season. Let’s make sure, for example, that our sacrifices are manageable, lest we lose heart along the way. We shouldn’t take on too much in Lent, but we shouldn’t take on too little, either. Prayerful discernment (asking God for some advice!) can help us find an appropriate place somewhere in the middle.

Second, Lent is not about our effort, but God’s grace! We are not trying to be heroes, but clear the way for our Hero, Jesus, to do more with us, especially when it comes to prayer, fasting, and charity. The Lord is madly in love with us, willing to help us do whatever needs to be done in order for us to turn back to Him – and let Him not only speak to our hearts, but to convert them in a lasting way.