The leap of faith is just the beginning of a long and sometimes very weary and dry battle to maintain that faith and grow in it. There are days when I feel very distant from God and question whether I am doing enough, praying enough and if I am failing all of the time. Lent is especially difficult because we put ourselves under so much pressure to show our thankfulness to Jesus and to deprive ourselves in some way as he did when he fasted in the desert for 40 days and nights. Covid has made this especially difficult this year.
Various priests have had advice to give over the years about how we can ‘tackle’ Lent and I particularly like the idea that rather than abstaining from something that gives you pleasure, it would be a good idea to work out how you can use your time in Lent to help others. Giving to charity, increasing donations, offering help to someone who needs it when you can. This year, I particularly liked Pope Francis’ idea of how to fast. I have pasted an image containing his ideas below. His ideas can be a framework for trying to alter our negative behaviour patterns and strive to be better christians.
I know we are coming to the end of Lent and entering into Holy Week, but it is good to reflect on what your Lent has been like and to come to terms, in prayer, with what you have succeeded in and what you feel you have failed at, and offer all of this to God who hears our prayers and comforts us.
God bless you and may he be with you on your journey through Holy Week with him,
Widows Mote 