Grace for the Race

 

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.  The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." ~Matthew 4:1-3

Lent is traditionally known as a time of repentance and reflection as Christians prepare for the glorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, on Easter morning.  The length of the season is modeled on the forty days and forty nights Jesus spent in the wilderness after His baptism, tempted by the devil, before officially beginning His earthly ministry.

Some of you might choose to give something up during this time, or take on something new that you hope will draw you closer to God as Easter approaches.  If we are honest with ourselves, we know abandoning something we like or starting an additional spiritual discipline isn't always easy or convenient.  So why do we even try?

Sunday morning, as I'm watching the Fox & Friends Weekend show, one of the co-hosts, Rachel Campos-Duffy, interviews Father Michael Schmitz, the director for youth and young adult ministries for the Duluth, Minnesota Catholic Diocese, and chaplain to the University of Minnesota located there.  The topic they discuss is Lent, so naturally, I'm all ears.

Father Schmitz explains the origin of the word ascetic, one that modern day perception associates with many early Christians who gave up worldly comforts to devote all their time and energy in contemplation and prayer.  Think monks or hermits.  He says that the Greek origin of this word actually translates to being in training.  I find that revelation to be both fascinating and enlightening!  Just as an athlete might train daily to compete in a marathon, Lent calls us to train ourselves to be more Christ-like in all we think, say and do.

And isn't that something we should choose to do each and every day, not just the forty set aside during Lent?

So, those of you who've been reluctant to commit to a Lenten season in the past, this can be your moment to start your training regimen with Jesus.  Even if your spiritual muscles are weak and flaccid, He will give you the strength and perseverance to win the race when you allow Him to come alongside you.

Jesus will give you the grace to finish your race with flying colors.

Amen!

FYI - I won't be posting next Tuesday as our daughter, son-in-law and the grandchildren will be visiting with us that week.  Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I'll be back here the following Tuesday to visit with all of you.  If you leave comments on this post by Saturday morning, I should have no problem responding to them.  Thanks so much for understanding and your loyalty to Meditations of My Heart.