A Chance To Become More
“Every conquering temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.” ~ William Butler Yeats
I’m firmly convinced that too many people look at Lent the wrong way. They look at the “have-to’s” rather than at the wonderful opportunity. If someone says that they have to give up something for Lent, they are already on the wrong approach. Their perceived obligation can block them from spiritual growth.
If, on the other hand, we look at the discipline of Lent as opportunity rather than imposition, we see the great invitation before us: an invitation to change, to grow, and to become more of the people we are called to be.
Yeats hits the nail on the head. Conquering temptation is a source of moral energy. Today’s readings speak about our sinful human nature. They also share with us the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness.
Yes, Jesus was tempted.
There are times that people gloss over that. They don’t think temptation is possible for Jesus because, after all, He is the Son of God. They forget that He is also the Son of Mary and, therefore, truly human. He hungered, He thirsted, He experienced pain just as any of us do.
The one thing about Jesus? He was incredibly driven. Driven to accomplish the will of His Father, the whole reason that He was on earth. His will was to make sure that all of us have a chance to return home to the Father at the end of our days.
Jesus showed us that resisting temptation, even grave temptation, is possible. He did the heavy lifting for us. Now, He invites us to follow in His footsteps, rejecting the wiles of our ancient enemy and accepting the graces of our Father in heaven.
We began Lent last Wednesday. Many of us came to Mass and experienced the imposition of ashes on our foreheads. We heard the words, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Those sobering words reminded us of our common human nature and of our corruptibility. We will all die one day and return to the earth.
Our souls, however, have the opportunity to return home to God. If we use Lent wisely and fully, our resisting temptation will strengthen our souls incredibly and make it easier to navigate the pitfalls placed before us in the world.
Try not to view Lent as an obligatory series of things that we “have-to” accomplish. Instead, view Lent as a series of weeks that gives us opportunities to grow, to learn, and to strengthen our spirits.
FAITH ACTION: If you find yourself having a hard time entering into the Season of Lent, try to view the opportunities that are offered rather than the obligations you may perceive.