For many
Christians it's often a challenge to determine what they should be doing
special or different during Lent in appreciation of our Lord's passion
and in preparation for the Sacred Triduum at Lent's conclusion . A very
learned and good teacher of mine, Richard Smith, S.J. addressed this
matter in one of his retreats to Jesuit seminarians. In his retreats he
included a question and answer session. In this retreat he was asked
what kind of Lenten penance/sacrifice he would recommend. His response
was, "Oh that's easy. Just eat everything that is put out on the table
and don't complain." How simple, and for us, so practical. But I can
assure you that it was for many young Jesuits a very challenging
recommendation to put into practice.
So what is the
appropriate Lenten penance or sacrifice? I suspect there are thousands
of good answers, but I suggest one general guideline. Consider what it
is that's going on in your life right now that is hindering your
relationship with the Lord and perhaps separating you from the Lord, or a
person or persons who need your care and concern. If it is something
you can address in a practical and simple manner, as was the case with
Dick Smith's suggestion, then I recommend you consider the challenge of
doing it.
Fr. Jim Blumeyer, S.J.
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