Men's Rosary

Prior to my being introduced to the Catholic faith, Lent was not a very special time for me. I remember Ash Wednesday and then it was wait until Easter gets here. It was not a prayerful period and actually Easter was not overly spiritual. Sometimes it was more reminiscent of a celebration of Spring and nice weather!

My journey into Catholicism also began a deeper spiritual journey and connectedness to God. The insignificant giving up of things like chocolate, alcohol, coffee, etc., gave way to the deeper meaning of Lent which is, in my opinion, dying more to self to live more in Christ. It is an emptying of temporal things to make room to be filled with spiritual things. Lent is a time to recognize our insignificance and the awesomeness of God. It is a time to let go of our pride and understand our total dependence on our Creator. It is a time to turn from our narcissistic tendencies and pay attention to the people and things around us that need our help. Above all it is a time to enter deeper into prayer and into the scriptures to hear the Lord speaking to us.

So, I beg the question…WHY ONLY DURING LENT? I just had this conversation with my wife. I asked why shouldn’t “Lent” be an everyday kind of thing? I understand why we have our Liturgical seasons, but I ponder this as an exercise in accountability.

As men of faith, what can this mean to us? I will share here some of the thoughts that came to mind as I pondered this question. The things that may seem to be Lenten things but in reality, are EVERYDAY things that are absolutely essential to our lives and our salvation.

As a man of faith and in keeping with the responsibility that has been bestowed on us, I do need to die to self every day in order to make room for Christ. The room needs to be made to truly walk with Him and do His work on earth. Time in prayer rather than constantly doing allows God to fill me with the Holy Spirit. This is where I will be able to gain wisdom and prudence. This is where I will find the directions of how to live.

As a man of faith and in keeping with the responsibility that has been bestowed on us, I need to keep in mind my nothingness and dependence on God. I have nothing but gift. All my successes, any wealth, any good fortune is not of me but gift from God. I owe all this to being open to God and therefore being able to receive His gift. A sad thing to hear is when one says, “I am self-made man”. The pride screams loudly, and we know there is a soul that is floundering. For man is absolutely NOTHING without God.

As a man of faith and in keeping with the responsibility that has been bestowed on us, I need to step out of “my world” to see the real world. I need to be a servant to others as Christ was and is to us. At the elevation of the chalice at Mass, I thank Christ for freely shedding His blood for the salvation of my soul and ask that I may be able to imitate Him by selflessly serving the needs of others. I am called to love as God loves. I need to help in financial ways, service ways, and especially prayerfully. How many people need prayer? How often do I pray for them? How many people do I share my faith with? How many am I bringing to Christ? In today’s world of technology and immediate gratification am I disconnecting enough to see the suffering around me? It is not all about me!

As a man of faith and in keeping with the responsibility that has been bestowed on us, I need to be prayerful. I need to speak with God every day. I need to take time to listed to Him. Every day is gift, good or bad, and I should end each day giving thanks rather than rushing to relax from ALL THAT I HAVE DONE. The day is really all that GOD HAS BLESSED ME WITH. I need to thank Him. I need to examine how I behaved during the day. What was good and where I have been found wanting?

As a man of faith and in keeping with the responsibility that has been bestowed on us, Holy Scripture needs to be paramount in my life. This is where I will find instruction. This is where I will gain understanding. This is where I will find consolation in time of distress. Do I turn to the wrong places for these things? I try not to, but many times I do. Man will not give me the answers that are required by God. Hobbies, vacations, parties, possessions…they will not give me the peace and calm found only in God. God is alive and waiting in scripture. I need to spend much time there!

So, WHAT ABOUT LENT?

Lent is a blessed time. What we resolve to do is wonderful and beneficial. But I would challenge us all to see Lent as a reset. An opportunity to not only prepare for Easter but an opportunity to arise a different man after Easter.

A man closer to God and less absorbed with self. A man who is aware of the needs of those around them. A man willing to serve, especially in the ministries of our parishes. A man who reads the Bible and uses what it contains to guide his life. A man of prayer who spends time with God every day and prays for the needs of others. Most of all, I pray we could come out of Easter as a man cognizant of what it means to live a Christ-like life.

May God bless your Lent.