February 2016
Here we are, seven days into Lent. So much focus within The Church and from around us in our secular lives on the fasting aspect; that is, “what are you giving up for Lent?”
I’m sure all of us know enough to be aware Lent is much more than “what we give up”, even to the extent that we can “give up” next to nothing and “do more” as our penance.
I’m also confident that by your simply being here your Lenten penance is something you take seriously.
What I wish to reflect on is the “Free Will”, or choice component of Lent. No one is forcing us to abstain from meat on Fridays or to “give up….” for lent. We, with varying degrees of complaint, choose to submit to the teachings of The Church. We choose.
Just as I’m told many centuries ago, Lenten penance was exclusively for catechumen in preparation for their baptism on Easter. The commitment of their conversion led to the experience being so personally profound, these new catholics revisited their Lenten penance annually, leading to the tradition becoming fully codified in Catholic teachings and practices.
We choose. They chose.
And by our choices, we all here have enjoyed the riches God has provided. Which brings me to (finally) the point – While devotion of and in itself isn’t an ATM card to riches in abundance, we can see in the people we help how an absence of devotion to living a Christian centric life can create opportunities for unpleasant circumstances.
It is Gospel for us to not judge those for whom this is sadly true, and it is the Christ like way to simply care for everyone with loving mercy.
However, I suggest we should always keep in mind that we are, by definition and by practice missionaries of Christ – showing our clients how to be richer. Simply by “giving up”, we get more. Perhaps by our loving example, they too will see the possibilities should they choose to Give Up what is separating them from Christ’s kingdom and a feast we can all celebrate.
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