The Last Days of Lent

What seemed to be the longest Lent ever is coming to a close with Holy Week in our midst.  I don't know about you but I am ready for Easter.  I'm not even talking  about a spiritual readiness, I just want out of this metaphysical desert and this never-ending Winter (as we await yet another snowstorm tonight!)

Lent is one of those seasons that I never emerge out of with great success.  Despite the planning and resolve, personal weakness and sometimes God throwing a curve ball leaves me gasping for the breath of Resurrection.  This Lent was somewhat of a struggle for me.  In the middle of a 33-day consecration renewal I had to deal with fatigue from hypothyroidism.  The marathon readings and prayers of the third week was brutal, it played against my already weak mind and an even weaker body.  I had forewarned the Lord that my prayers will be "mindless"  if not rebellious LOL.  There is just no way that in my already weakened physical condition can I still look at my body as worthless food for the worms.  If you have done the deMontfort consecration by Mancipia Press, you know what I'm talking about. 

It is during this time that I realized that our efforts are never in vain.  The Lord rewards perseverance albeit rebellious (with the absence of malice, of course).  He took pity at my meager efforts and allowed me to sail through the "accusatory" readings.  And tomorrow I renew my consecration as my eight-year-old makes his first (he is using Fr. Gaitley's version).  Yippee! Please pray for us.

And this is why I love Lent despite of it all.  The stark contrast of a busy life with the slow, austere, penitential days is humbling.  It's where I can leave all hint of perfectionism and feigned omniscience out the door, where success can only be gauged in the light of eternity.

A blessed Holy Week to all of you.