'Twas the day before Ash Wednesday and all through the Church many are asking "What are you doing for Lent?" It is always amazing to this priest, at least, to hear the Lenten "give ups" that people believe are going to satisfy the reasons for Lent. Some even believe that giving up beer is going to improve their spirituality. Some believe not going to the movies is going to build a stronger relationship with Jesus.
Like the resolutions made each year on December 31st, many times the Shrove Tuesday made sacrifices are never accomplished. Why? That is a good question. Well, it is that so often there is very little, if any, serious consideration of two pertinent questions. The first, "Do I really take the actions of Lent seriously?" The second, "Does my not using foul language draw me closer to Jesus?" Unless we learn to take the notion of sacrifice more seriously, Lent will be just another time when priests try to encourage parishioners to Lenten practices. Dare we ever take a survey that asks a simple question: "Did you succeed with your Lenten resolutions?"
Let me place before you a serious challenge for the days of Lent that begins in just 24 hours! My challenge to you will help you address the two questions above. I challenge you to read from the New Testament each day of Lent for at least fifteen minutes. Furthermore, I challenge you to keep a written record of you efforts. Record the amount of time and a citation of the chapters and verses you manage to accomplish.
So today, Shrove Tuesday, get your Bible ready. Make a "guesstimate" of the time you will begin this challenge each day of Lent. If you feel urged to read more than 15 minutes, don't let the suggested time deter you from reading longer if you have the time.
Close attention to this effort will result in unusual happenings. Very well it may happen that you will find yourself in a new relationship with Jesus Christ. Lo and behold, Easter may really mean something to you.
All this said, let me share with you that you will surely be in my prayers during the days that lie ahead. My special prayer will be that you can accept and live up to the challenge put before you.
