Reflections for early Lent

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This year for Lent, I decided to fall back on a trusty fast ~ a spending fast. I don’t go spending wildly even in normal life, but for these days I am cracking down on all the spending on the ‘little’ things that are not really needed. It could be that quick run through a fast food restaurant because I didn’t plan well and pack us a lunch. It could also be those little impulse purchases (a book I’d like to read or something the boys would enjoy.)

While the primary benefit of this fast for me is releasing the hold the acquisition of stuff can have, it also benefits our family be getting spending back under control. This year I plan to make a donation to a charity of two with some of the money saved.

Already I was faced with the question “is this really necessary for me to live?” Last weekend I attended the Apologia Live! conference in Baltimore (more posts coming on that one as there’s a LOT to share.) Friday night sessions let out just after 9 p.m. and I originally was justifying an overnight hotel stay to save on driving. But, upon further reflection I decided I couldn’t justify it. Okay, the penny pincher in me was in part to credit for this change of heart, as $80 for the hotel stay was more expensive than the extra $18 in travel expense. But, it also came down to I didn’t really NEED the stay. So, I drove home for the night and returned with plenty of time to spare the next morning.

Also at the conference, I was feeling drawn to buying the two CDs the praise and worship leader was selling. But, after reflection and prayer I realized it was one of those “nice to have, but don’t really need” purchases. So, I opted to forgo spending the $22 and can instead add it to my tally of ‘saved’ money for Lent.

On a related note, I have to share about the homily from yesterday’s Mass. Father was mentioning how Lent is an opportunity for us to soften our hearts as well as deepen our faith. How many times have I easily fallen into the trap of a hardened heart by thinking “they made their bed, and now have to lie in it!” In this current economy, it is easy for those of us that acted fiscally responsible in our choices (not overextending ourselves with thoughts of eventually being able to afford something) to look upon those caught in financial crisis and say they deserve what they got. After all, they sowed and are now reaping the crop of their actions. But, is that really what Christ would want us to think and feel?? So, this call to soften our hearts has me praying that God will help me be more compassionate and forgiving towards those who made poor choices and have to face the consequences.

The other component of Father’s homily that struck me was that so many Catholics have received poor catechises which leads to a lot of misconceptions. Many of us in one local homeschool group have talked about this before and agree that we want our children to be raised ‘well’ in the faith. To do this, we are often learning the catechism ourselves alongside the kids. A few of these incorrect ideas are ones that many Christian friends have about Catholics. So for inquiring minds, Catholics do not think Mary is divine like God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Nor do we worship the saints. We might pray to them to act as intercessors and learn more about them in an attempt to live a more holy life. And, don’t think Catholics do not struggle with the distinction. Many of us are constantly learning the apologetics to better teach our children and defend our faith.

I am sure I will be pondering more and more as Lent progresses and hope to share some here on the blog. Look for my posts over the next few weeks regarding the Apologia Live! conference as God truly was working through the speakers. I took lots of notes, but am still processing it all almost 2 days later.