In failing to keep my Lenten resolutions (already) and resolving to do better, I think I’ve come to realize that in making those resolutions I only understood with simplicity matters which were much more complex.
I had resolved two simple P’s: to have more Patience and Perseverance. I thought that I was referring to MY actions. Irritation would be a sign to me that I had failed, and I’ve often seen and felt that emotion. Today, however, I’ve seen reminders that it is not that simple, because I am not alone in this world, and my actions affect others, AND God is here with us, too.
My awakening started simple, as I read how the rich man wanted to lead a more perfect spiritual life, and asked Jesus: “What more can I do? (Mt14:22)” (That’s kind of what I thought when I made my Lenten resolutions.) But then I read “the young man … went away sorrowful, for he had many possessions.” Oh, that P. Then I read the Gospel and how Jesus’ hometown wanted toss Him off a cliff because He wasn’t a Messiah like they expected (Lk4:22-30). In Pride, they were sure they knew God’s plans.
In my daily prayers I now always pray for the Poor souls in Purgatory, and (especially now) for world Peace. And most importantly, I always Praise God.
I think I can now summarize all these “P”s that I became aware of by first noting that I am not in control, of my person or my possessions; they are all gifts from God. There are things that I can resolve to do (with God’s help) with these gifts, and to be more who I was created to be, but there are other things which only God can do,
Prayer is the unifying factor, because it is God who makes all these things possible, not me. While I will pray for His grace to grow in the virtues of Patience and Perseverance, I will also pray for His grace to grow in humility, reducing my Pride. I will pray to God that He bring about world Peace, and has mercy on the poor souls in Purgatory.
And in all these prayers, I will I begin with Praise to God, for His always loving us --- even me --- and for His never-ending mercy, which Jesus died for.
Which reminds me, while I reflected on all these “P”s and who could do what, It Is Lent. It was His Passion which makes all these things even possible. It is good to reflect on how I am not in control of my life --- except for these brief moments before eternity, an eternity where He waits.
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Just an ‘oh by the way’. My last posting spoke of my totally blocked ear. While I prayed in front of a statue of St. Joseph, it popped open. Doctors are still running tests, and I am testing hearing aids. And God is still in control.
