I spent some time over the last two weeks watching the Winter Olympic Games. Over and over again I saw in the athletes a commitment to their sport and the training, practice and dedication necessary to compete in the games. As I watched the events it often became clear which athletes had the interior commitment necessary to support their skill. I see the message this experience has for my Lenten practice.
As I begin my Lenten practice in earnest, I pray that my outward practices of fasting, almsgiving and prayer are supported by an interior commitment. The book of prayers reminds me: Fasting is useless if it does not remind me of my duty to the hungry. Almsgiving is meaningless if it does not force me to confront the social structures that keep people poor. Prayer will not draw me closer to God unless I open my heart both to God’s love and to God’s challenge.
I know it would be easier if Lent was simply about giving up some often enjoyed foods or spending more time in prayer. But it is not, lent is about my conversion. It is about the new life I look forward to celebrating at the Easter Vigil. New life comes with a cost.
Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. (Ps. (40:5a)
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