“For you are made from dust, and to dust you shall return.” -Genesis 3:19
It is now two days into Lent, and let me just tell you that I am feeling extremely blessed and excited to walk in this journey with the Lord over the next 40 days. I want to ask you the following question:
// What is your disposition about this Lent? //
Are you excited for the renewal and restoration of your heart over the next 40 days?
Are you dreading the next several days because of something that YOU have to give up?
Are you willing and wanting to grow with the Lord?
Are you nervous about how far the Lord is going to take you out the boat?
// Let me share with you a passage from Sacred Scripture. //
Trust me, I have a point.
A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Matthew.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Now let me ask you a couple of questions- reflect on them.
- Do you ever feel like Peter and are afraid to step out of the boat? [Step out of your comfort zone?]
- Do you ever doubt in God’s plans for your life and resort to what YOU want?
- Do you ever feel like you are ‘sinking’ and feel like you are not being saved?
- What are some instances in the past year where you have stepped out of the boat to encounter the Lord and he has saved you from sinking?
I ask you these questions because for the first three I can truly tell you that I do feel like I am afraid, alone, and doubtful some times. I hope you take into consideration that you are not alone because God is with you and will make you happier than anyone or anything can.
In my FIAT organization at school, we talked about a word that you can devote your Lenten Journey to- the word INTIMACY.
I know you are probably like ‘why is this girl talking about intimacy on her blog site’ and ‘what does this have to do with Lent’ but trust me- I have a point. Think of these words when you think of the word INTIMACY.
// Into you, LORD, I see. //
Reach deep down into your faith this Lenten journey and jump out of the boat.
- Go to mass (daily if you can) and receive His body, blood, soul, and divinity in the Eucharist.
- Go to confession and experience the power of God’s forgiveness and mercy.
- Go to adoration for an hour, sit in the quiet, and let Jesus love to you in the presence of the sacrament.
- Say the rosary a few times a week, and experience the peace that Mother Mary can bestow on you as she gives you the grace you need to draw closer to Her son.
- Pray the litany of humility once a day and let it kick your butt, because we all need to be a little more humble.
- Read a chapter of Sacred Scripture once a day and let the Holy Spirit work through you to understand what God wants for your life.
- Pray for your vocation.
- Pray for your enemies.
- Devote your days to Jesus Christ. Everything you do is for His glory in this life.
Have a blessed Lent and know that I am praying for you.
Below is a video of a song I have been loving to listen to so far during this Lenten journey.
I lean not on my own understanding, my life is in the hands of the maker of Heaven.
I give it all to you God, trusting that you’ll make something beautiful out of me.
There’s nothing I hold on to. -Bethel
Insaintly Preppy 