March 12, 2010
Lenten Reflection
A Lenten promise
By ZOE CANNON (Vincennes)
We have all made a promise. We declare them to ourselves and to others. If you are old enough to remember, even as a child you would give your word in a mild challenge of the “double dog dare.” To go back on
that word would have consequences. During the Lenten Season we often make a promise to God. We offer up a sacrifice or plan to do something extra to prepare our souls for the real promise of the Easter Resurrec-tion. There will be tests in our lives. If we fail, sometimes there is a price to pay, but in God’s wisdom and love there are also second chances, a “do over,” if you will.
The ultimate promises are made to us by God himself. “Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive” (Mt 21:22). This seems easy enough; the truth is it can be, if we understand our most difficult part in that phrase, to believe. In our request we must simply trust we will receive the answer to our prayer, God’s answer.
This Lenten season I made a promise to myself and those I love to finish a five-year-old writing project. My attempts to complete this journal were met with distractions because I enjoy the busyness of my day. My desire to make this gift perfect prevented me from taking the first step. I just simply procrastinated, failing to take on the challenge and begin. The assignment I was postponing was the completion of a journal I started writing when our son had a very serious snowboarding accident, which left him with a traumatic brain injury. I wanted to finish documenting this life changing event because the outcome is confirmation to the asking, believing and receiving, just as Matthew tells us in Scrip-ture.
My plan to solve the impasse was to isolate myself during Lent with my lap top and notes and begin to finish what I started with great purpose in 2005. I worked hard to arrange this time away, and I am blessed for the opportunity. The benefits of this experience in the desert have been very productive. The term “desert” may seem a little dramatic, but for me to separate myself from my usual routine was a huge dare. Being isolated from people and my busy schedule would be tough for me. When we put our mind to it, most anything can be done. When we ask for God’s help, incredible things come to pass.
Since Ash Wednesday, I have been detached from the outside world, praying, writing and completing this gift to my son, Patrick. I made a promise to present him with written stories of the God incidents which took place during his accident and recovery. Much of this time he was in a coma and unaware of his situation. This defining moment in 2005 took place during the Lenten season. The accident happened the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and his first trip home from rehabilitation was to serve Mass at the Easter Vigil. So it is very appropriate that I work on this journal during this time of year. This has been an emotional three weeks for me, but the results are healing and fruitful.
In this Lenten quiet time of few distractions I am reminded with conviction, “Jesus died so that we might live,” abundantly! I have found that setting aside time for yourself is cathartic. We are really never alone, call upon the Lord and incredible peace will comfort your loneliness. In the middle of this Lenten season there is still time to make a commitment to him, even if just for an hour a week. The most important thing to remember is that the promises from God are eternal and his second chances are endless with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Ask in prayer, have faith and you will receive. This is God’s promise to everyone. Peace!