Making It Personal

My Lenten experience started early this year, in true Cursillo fashion, with a Mananita for our brother Francis Cavoto. It was a wonderful reminder of how powerful the personal relationships formed in Cursillo can become. What impressed me most about Francis was the way he could project his inner peace with just a smile. This made Francis a subtle influencer whose light continues to shine from Heaven.

We begin our first Sunday of Lent with the Temptation of Jesus. I’m reminded of a reflection from Fr. Chet’s book “The Human Side of Jesus” where he took us through Jesus's confrontation with Satan in the desert. Jesus, fully embracing his humanity, is tempted by the devil to use His divine powers for personal gain. Hoping to capitalize on Jesus's weakened state, Satan offers all the temporal rewards this world can offer. Focusing on his father’s will, Jesus rebuffs all temptations.

Lent is a time for self-examination to, like Jesus, confront our personal temptations. What in your life has become an obstacle to your spiritual development? Are your desires consistent with God’s plans for your life? These are just some of the questions we should be asking ourselves. Once you have identified these obstacles, you must confront each of them one at a time. This is where the sacrament of reconciliation can be very helpful.

Sadly, I have spoken with many catholics, especially men, who are afraid of this sacrament. For them, reconciliation is a sign of weakness, vulnerability. It is of no surprise to me that the same people who avoid self-examination and confession remain stagnant in their spiritual development, never committing to a genuine communion with Christ. When approached by someone in this state of doubt, I reassure them I’ve been there myself and understand their apprehension. Forgive me for asking, but could you be any more vulnerable than Christ Crucified? Let your Church-Priest be the conduit to the supernatural powers Christ himself relied on in the desert and on the cross.

One more thought, Lent is also the time to reach out to people, especially ones that God seems to be placing within your sphere of influence. All of us long for a fruitful relationship that feeds our soul. As Merton taught us, “No one(man) is an island” - we are communal by nature. My experience has been, if we as a faith community don't welcome the disenfranchised, they will find a less than beneficial relationship to fill their emptiness. There is no time better than Lent to become a lighthouse for those in darkness. 

De Colores,

Frank