Nowadays, parents are beyond busy; I hear it from them every day. I also listen to retirees tell me they are so busy that they couldn’t fit a job into their lives if they wanted to! I attended college while raising young children; I understand “busy.” Don’t we all? On top of our busyness, life also happens, with its trials, grief, and suffering. Beyond that, when Lent arrives, most of us try to carve out time to do something in addition to everything else that we already have on our plates. In this environment, it is easy for us to become complainers or to find that our best Lenten intentions get left in the dust.
Today, if you were at a liturgy that used the regularly assigned readings for “year C” (instead of those used in the presence of our OCIA Candidates and Elect), they all mentioned the trials and suffering that befell either the Israelites, Galileans, or those at Siloam. In the second reading, Paul warns the Corinthians not to fall into the same traps that the Israelites did during their time in the desert. He says that although they experienced God’s presence and blessings—passing through the Red Sea, eating manna, drinking water from the rock—they grew complacent and disobedient. Paul emphasizes that their failure to remain vigilant in their faith led to their downfall. Reminding them, he says, “Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.” We hear this same assertion echoed in the gospel when Jesus’ story reminds us to tend our relationships with God so they may bear fruit—and not die.
Famous for their suffering, complaining, or ultimate demise, each of these groups of people is a bit like each of us, whether we’d like to admit it or not. Complacency can arise when we take God’s blessings for granted or assume that our past faithfulness guarantees future security. Moreover, in the chaos of media consumption, work, and more, it is easy to put our relationships with God on the back burner. We see this, especially during Lent, when we often make promises to God, such as reading the bible or attending extra Masses, but then let them slide.
At about the mid-point in Lent, it’s a good time to check in on these Lenten promises. How are you doing? Are you cultivating the “soil” of your soul? Many of us gave up sweets or something else that we enjoy. Is that sacrifice bringing you closer to God or providing you the opportunity to share his love with those around you? If not, consider switching things up. Nobody ever said that you can’t change your Lenten commitment if your goal is to deepen your faith. If you bit off more than you can chew, scale back. For example, write in your Lenten Journal and follow through by discussing the questions and themes in your small group. If that’s still overwhelming, choose the part that feeds you most, whether it’s the journal or the group. Maybe you’ve made another pledge. Simply do that one “thing” and do it well. Whatever and wherever you are tending the soil of your soul, may we all find ourselves blossoming abundantly on Easter morning.