“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
But whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
What profit is there for one to gain the whole world
yet lose or forfeit himself?”
Lenten season is mostly hard for me, especially cause I love food and I am always found snacking and these 40 days make me “feel” my hunger in my body, cravings and above all, bring me closer to God as I sit and try to figure what to do when I cannot “eat my worries away.” I focus on prayer.
It is hard, especially when all other activities take over and overwhelm me. I think of how I would manage, and then I take a deep breath and focus on God!
Lent is always an excuse for me to do what I can without constantly being judged by people of other faiths (except Muslim) who don’t grasp the concept but also makes me comfortable to just learn to adjust my body and mind to a more healthy, calmer, and serene way!!!
This Lent for me is different in many ways—I will be travelling and meeting family across the world, I will be at a new phase of my career, and above all — I feel a little less anxious and worried!
I am beginning to understand the power of faith.
Watching it unfold every day at work and home.
Let us focus on rebuilding our relationship with God, as today’s gospel says—one day at a time! picking our crosses and denying our selves of what we desire but giving it up to the Lord.
AMEN
