It's 8:06 P.M. and we've quit for the night. Today's session of the MINK meeting began at 8:00 A.M. and ended tonight after dinner provided by one of the religion textbook publishers. It was a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant in Kansas City, Kansas just down the road form the Pastoral Center. Discussing "shop," in our case catechesis, religious education and church was part of the dinner conversation. I know I enjoy talking about religion and Church whether it is for so called work or for pleasure.
Apart from our discussion of the "National Directory for Catechesis", which was the topic of our session today, I'm discovering it is difficult to stay focused on my Lenten discipline while on the road. I had overlooked how much I depend on routine and ritual to help me in preparing these meditations and staying true to my Lenten practice. I appreciate the opportunity here in the quiet of the Pastoral Center's lobby to reflect on this day and my celebration of Lent.
I sometimes find it difficult to let myself off the hook for breaking my Lenten practice. Forgiving myself is one of the things this Lent seems destined to teach me. Wednesday is another day and I will recommit myself to celebrating the fullness of my Lenten practice despite the seven hour road trip that faces us in the morning.
"From all their distress God rescues the just. (Ps 34:18b)"