We are about a week away from Good Friday, it’s St. Patrick’s day, and “March Madness” has started. I love March Madness and might keep some games on in the background while working (don’t judge, boss approves)!
Around this time is typically when it gets even tougher to keep up with our Lenten promises since we are so close to Easter. So what are some ways we can stay strong and avoid giving in?
1) PRAY – No kidding, right? But let’s talk about “gut level” prayer. We often pray the “Our Father,” “Hail Mary”, the Rosary, among others – all wonderful prayers. How often do our minds wonder while praying these prayers and how often do we say them just to say them? Typically, healthy relationships have “gut level” discussions and these are often direct, honest, and sometimes painful. Isn’t that how Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane? If God wants a relationship with us, and we are going through the motions when praying…without thinking, and not listening, then that might not be a healthy relationship. I know I’m very guilty of this and do believe almost any type of prayer is better than not praying at all but we can certainly do it better! There are many processes suggested for Prayer including this one from Matthew Kelly. Whatever your process may be, we should all strive to BE REAL when speaking with God, he knows our hearts anyway. If you’re angry, tell him…but then listen! Keep in mind, this relationship with God should not be be all about you, quite opposite in fact. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” So pray lovingly, honestly, and graciously, and He will keep you strong.
2) SLEEP – we strongly believe that we need to keep our bodies as a temple for the Holy Spirit. This helps us stay strong, focused, disciplined, and allows us to make better decisions. “The spirit is willing but the body is weak.” So how do we stay strong? It all starts with sleep. How many of our bad decisions come from being tired? Here’s a great article and video from Alanna Burg and Father Mike Schmitz on the importance of Sleep and why it’s a spiritual discipline.
3) ACCOUNTABILITY – Most of us are held accountable at work, school, hopefully in our marriage, etc…so why not for sins we struggle with? Find an accountability partner or group and ask that person or group to keep you accountable. Have the courage to ask each other the tough questions. I’m guessing the disciples were sent out by two’s for a reason. Chris Stefanick discusses the importance of friendship and how friends can help keep you accountable. You will less likely give into your Lenten promise or sin you struggle with if you have to own up to it. And of course, confession always helps!
4) DON’T RATIONALIZE – we get ourselves into trouble here. Remember how Satan tempted Jesus in the desert? The devil used holy scripture to rationalize why Jesus should make bread out of stone, throw himself off a pinnacle, or worship the devil to achieve worldly glory. We can often twist the truth as well to match our selfish desires. I can even rationalize that I am helping my spouse by eating more of a dessert we are sharing since it’s unhealthy and bad for my spouse. And what was written in this blog about keeping our own bodies temples for the Holy Spirit? Hmm, maybe I should read that again.
We could probably add a few more things but the above is a good place to start. Enjoy the rest of your lent and feel free to check out this short portrayal of what Jesus’s lent might of been like.
By the way, did you know St. Patrick taught the trinity to the Irish using a shamrock? Happy St. Patrick’s Day!