by Father Mark Goldasich
We’ve all heard the expression, “My eyes were bigger than my stomach.”
Unfortunately, that’s how I view the season of Lent. I’ve rarely had a “successful” one because I always want to accomplish way more in the traditional areas of prayer, fasting and almsgiving than is feasible.
That’s changed this year based on this little story:
A university professor went searching for the meaning of life. After several years and many miles, he came to the hut of a holy hermit and asked to be enlightened.
The hermit invited his visitor in and began to serve him tea. He filled the man’s cup and then kept on pouring so that the tea was soon dripping onto the floor.
The professor watched until he could no longer stand it. “Stop! It’s full!” he cried. “No more will go in!”
“Exactly,” said the hermit. “Like this cup, you are full of your own opinions, perceptions and ideas. How can I teach you unless you first empty your cup?” (Story adapted from “Empty Yourself” in Paul J. Wharton’s “Stories and Parables for Preachers and Teachers.”)
Well, I feel the Holy Spirit has emptied my cup and helped me to acknowledge that there are still only 24 hours in a day . . . even in Lent. With that in mind, I’m embracing a scaled-down but “doable” Lent, even with all the extra priestly duties, like hearing more confessions or leading the Stations of the Cross.
In the area of prayer, I’ve selected two books as Lenten companions. I’ll start the day with Pope Francis’ latest encyclical on the Sacred Heart, “Dilexit Nos,” reading just five points a day with my morning coffee. (There are 220 “points” in the document, so I’ll finish it all during the 40 days of Lent.) In the evening, I’ll read Amy Ekeh’s “Stretch Out Your Hand: Reflections on the Healing Ministry of Jesus.” It’s perfectly divided into 40 short chapters consisting of a brief Scripture passage, reflection, meditation and prayer.
As far as fasting, I’m not buying anything nonessential during Lent. Period.
And that leads into almsgiving. I’ve still got way too much stuff. It’s good stuff, but too much, way more than I’ll ever use. So, I’m trying out the “40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge” during Lent. It’s exactly what it sounds like: Each day of Lent, you grab a bag and fill it with the “treasures” you no longer need, use or want. Then donate, recycle or give away the “stuff.” (And Sundays are “free” days in Lent, so no working to fill a bag.)
What are your Lenten plans? Explore your parish’s opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation, Stations, daily Mass or other special prayer services. Check out the calendar page in The Leaven for retreats or days of reflection. Plan to attend a fish fry and sit with some folks you don’t know. Try the “40 Bags” idea; Google it for more information or inspiration.
Savor this season of transformation that begins on Ash Wednesday.
I’ll end with a scene from the “Man of La Mancha.” As you know, it’s the story of Don Quixote, who believes he’s a knight of old and battles windmills that he thinks are dragons. At the end of the musical, he’s dying and is attended to by Aldonza, a prostitute he’s idealized by calling her “Dulcinea” (“Sweetheart”). Of course, the patrons at the bar find this hilarious. Aldonza, however, is touched by Quixote’s love.
As he dies, Aldonza sings “The Impossible Dream.” At the song’s end, someone shouts, “Aldonza!” But she stands tall and proud and replies, “My name is Dulcinea!” She’s been transformed by love.
Let’s all give God a chance to transform us during these holy 40 days.
