the season of bright sadness
With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labor set before us becomes apparent.
I’m torn between “We’re halfway through already?” and “Holy cow, we’re only halfway through?”
Such is Lent.
A few weeks ago I was telling Dad that of the three ‘components’ of fasting (restricted diet, increased prayer, increased giving) it always seems like two come rather easily, while the third is a mighty struggle. And for this Great Fast, it’s prayer. Taking the time to pray is like taking the time to, say, get a root canal. I just don’t want to.
Now, this last month of Lent is unique as it almost perfectly coincides with my last month of school, making the road before me all the more…what’s the word I’m looking for: formidable? arduous? challenging?
And so for all of my stubborness, I pray the Lord will have mercy on me…
Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.
May He have mercy on us all as we press onward.
The Lord said: “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Such is Lent indeed! I completely agree how there is always one of the three that is a difficult struggle – for me this year, it’s alms.
Sigh.
For me, every year, it is prayer. Always prayer. My prayer rope rides my wrist and all too frequently is unused!
Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner!