Scripture:
2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
Ephesians 2:4-10
John 3:14-21
Reflection:
My Lenten resolution is to be more aware of the consequences of my actions and make positive changes where I can. I didn’t realize how challenging that would be, and in how many different scenarios! For instance:
- I use too much water and I want to more consciously conserve it. Yet lingering in that hot shower feels SO GOOD! And it’s inconvenient to save and use the colder water that I run out of the faucet until it gets hot.
- I want to be kind and loving, but oh, it’s hard not to make that snarky comment, especially in a context where I know my listeners would agree with me.
- I want to donate more money to causes whose impact goes far beyond what I could do on my own, but it’s hard to send that check when I want to feel financially secure myself first.
- I know I’ll have a stomachache later if I eat another piece of that dessert, but it’s so sweet and wonderful in my mouth! And yes, I know I should buy only “fair trade” chocolate, but this one is easily available and tastes fabulous.
We sometimes excuse our excesses and self-centered pleasures as “guilty indulgences”, and a little bit of indulgence is a good thing. Self-care is important. It’s hard, though, not to allow a “little bit” to become a habit. “C’mon. Just this time. It wouldn’t hurt, would it?” And then another time, and another, until we reach the point Jesus warns us about: We prefer darkness to light.
Admittedly, darkness can be easier. Ignorance is bliss. If I don’t think about it, I can continue on my merry way without a care. I can rationalize my way into almost anything that I want. But the Gospels and the teachings of Pope Francis are clear: that is not what we’re called to. We are lavished with immeasurable riches and called to be children of The Light. We are required to use what we’ve been given, to act in ways that don’t cause harm and that don’t directly or indirectly contribute to the perishing of other living beings or the environment. Darkness is not our future. Light and Life and Grace are.
I’m not sure I can get there in just one Lenten season. But I’m writing down all the times I become aware of negative consequences, and slowly but surely changing my heart, mind, and actions because of it. In this holy season, how can you go beyond “giving up something” that you will then just go back to after Easter anyway? In what ways can you act with deeper awareness so you more clearly shine the Light of Christ, sacrificing yourself and yes, some of your “guilty indulgences,” so that others may live?
Amy Florian is a teacher and consultant working in Chicago. For many years she has partnered with the Passionists. Visit Amy’s website: http://www.corgenius.com/.