How is your Lent going? At the beginning of Lent, it is a good time for us to meditate on how we are doing as disciples. The season of Lent encourages us to look at our lives while also challenging us to penetrate any self-deceit in our current missionary discipleship. By reading the weekday Gospels, you will see that the Disciples of Christ face many demands. Take up your cross daily, love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you, be a servant to others, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc.

    Lent is an excellent time to look at our lives and see through our inflated egos regarding our being good disciples. However, you say, "I do that. I love my enemies.” "AND. "I give food and clothing to the poor." Hmmm.

"I serve."...

    Is there more that you can do? How often and how much? Do you exalt yourself? Do you truly take up your cross daily and follow Christ?

    If we reflect on a disciple's characteristics, we may see how we fall short of these demands. We need Jesus Christ. Let me repeat that. We need Jesus Christ. We need Our Lord - His grace, strength, concern, and most importantly, His love. All are available in the Sacraments - especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation.

    Another significant way to be open to the grace, help, and aid of Our Savior is through prayer. Pray unceasingly, says Paul. Lent is a time to increase/intensify our prayer life.

    Mother Theresa went to daily Mass and would spend, we are told, hours - yes, hours - in prayer every day. This communion with God enabled her to become the saint we know.

                                   Come to pray at Mass and at some of our Lenten prayer opportunities.

    Try Lectio Divina, say the Our Father several times throughout the day, take some time to read Sacred Scripture, Join us every Tuesday for the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Pray the rosary and the chaplet of the Divine Mercy, have a conversation with God while still in His presence, think about His love for you, and say a novena or another "formula" prayer. Just pray.

Peace, Father Maassen (reprinted and edited)