“Squirrels”

Making Lent Personal

    This Lent I have been seeing way too many squirrels; and unfortunately, I am terrible at ignoring them. Today I heard Jesus say that if I say that I am blind, then I have no sin, but since I say that I can see, my sin remains. In some weird way, I think He’s referring to my squirrels. Yes, I see squirrels and I chase them! I think most of us see squirrels; the unexpected things that grab our attention like social media, emails and random videos, besides all the things we worry about or need to do, as well as all the random thoughts and ideas that pull us away from what we really need to be looking at and doing this Lent, like praying and sitting in silence at the foot of our Father. If we are chasing squirrels instead, we are choosing to remain blind, afraid of missing out and ignoring the need to look within.

     There are so many good things that distract us though, it’s easy for me to justify the emails and videos from Dynamic Catholic, Bishop Barron, Fr. Mike Schmidt, the news and my list continue to grow. But then I need to stop and ask if I am taking the time to digest these good things and bringing them to God as well as seeing how they apply to my life? What is it that God desires of me now? Is this improving my relationship with God and the people He has placed in my life? Are they drawing me into the presence and embrace of our Father, or is it just a squirrel to avoid sitting with God and hearing what He really desires; knowing that there are areas in my life that need to change, areas where I could serve others and live the gospel more faithfully? Instead of worrying about that loved one or a situation, I could be remembering the faithfulness of God and bringing that worry to the foot of the cross and leaving it there.

    How about you? Are you blinded by squirrels this Lent, or are you tuned into the heart of God, seeing the blessings of your life and answering the call He has placed on your heart?

    Lord, help us to stop and enjoy Your peace and love, may we recognize Your presence and be open to the ways You call us to change and grow. Amen.

De Colores,

Jane