Saturday 7th Week in Ordinary Time
So you might notice that as we go through our readings this week they begin taking a darker tone, but they are also filled with practical teachings. The wisdom of Sirach, we almost get a recount of the Genesis story we heard a few weeks ago. The implications of being a child of God are highlighted and this is really going to benefit us as we get ready for next week.
Next week we begin Lent and there we are pointed to our earthly end. However, Sirach reminds us of our earthly beginning. How each of us are made in God’s image and likeness. Jesus today reminds us that we have to grow into a child. Now this may seem a bit strange to us, but If we are to embrace the kingdom like a child we are probably being directed to trust just like a child.
Many of you might have looked down upon your own child and seen that complete look of trust they have in you. <Wryly> Would only that look last through their teenage years… But another homily another time…. This look of trust which we saw in our own child, is how we should be looking at God. I truly believe this is really the point we should be looking at with Lent. Our goal should be to grow in this childlike trust.
Our on-going sins
Now of course, we all have our vices that should be worked on. But we should already be doing that. Whatever that vice is even those we are terrified to talk about. We should continue to work on them and try to make some definitive steps during this time.
A Reverse Approach to Lent
But the first thing that may come to many of your minds when it comes to thinking about Lent is… What is it I am giving up? Chocolate, meat on Fridays, swearing…. These are good things… Perhaps, though just the opposite is what we should do. Let’s each take a look at our lives, pray and discuss with God, those things we should ADD to our lives.
For instance, along with a few other things, I plan on adding another set of prayers to my morning ritual. Like all Deacons, I am obligated to say the morning and evening Liturgy of the Hours. I will add the Office of Readings which I normally do not do. I look back 25 years or so, when I first moved to Saint Charles, I did no prayer at all. Well maybe Hey God… can you get me that gold colored bobulator machine?? I was focused on me… I certainly didn’t trust like a little child at all. Do I today? Honestly No, but I am much further along than I was back then.
Various Options
But Okay prayer may not be your thing, you’ve tried it and it is a genuine struggle, how about reading the Bible? Today there are just a huge amount of Bible instruction video’s, tapes, podcasts and whatever the latest and greatest format is. Word on Fire, St. Paul Institute, the Augustine Institute. many of which can be found on our FORMED membership we all have.
Maybe it is heading back to the 4th day meetings with a Cursillo group or another Small Faith group you belonged to… Maybe it’s time to reintroduce yourself to that group. The meetings are at 7pm on Tuesday’s.
If you don’t already go to Mass during the week, try that once during the week.
All of these things are going to help you grow in faith of God. We grow in our trust of Him and… we grow in our childlike trust… Yanno, the one Jesus talked about this morning.
Lent should not be looked upon as time in the penalty box, something we have to give up…. It should be that time we add God so deeply into our hearts, there is no room for anything but Him
For additional ideas or information on helping you during Lent try heading to the USCCB website for Lent.