I sometimes discover myself holding a funny tool to measure ‘success’ the spiritual life.
Here we are: deep into Lent. At this point you and I might be tempted to stop and measure. Some of us have already measured and might be wearied by this 40-day spiritual exercise. Perhaps some are pretty happy with the way things are going.
Either way, we might want to check our measuring tool and make sure it’s not the funny sort. If you are like me, you might check to see if you are holding the “how much I do" measuring tool.
You and I both know the goal of the spiritual life is: holiness. Holiness is revealed by Our Lord’s total self-gift on the Holy Cross. You may want to stop reading right now because I just added to the weariness of the journey. But wait.
Sacred Scripture is filled with Our Lord’s promises to be with us. If they could, the Saints would use a foghorn to tell us: “Keep running the race! Keep fighting the good fight! You got this!” In fact, I am willing to bet Saint Paul would love a foghorn to underscore his points.
Remember phrases like:
“Behold I am with you even to the end of the age.”
“Remain in Me as I remain in You.”
“Ask for anything in My name, and it will be given to you.”
Dear Sisters in Christ, it hardly matters how you think your Lent is going. If you are reading this and you sincerely want to have the Best-Lent-Evah, just ask the Lord!
God sees your heart. God is rich is mercy. God is full of compassion.
God sees your heart. God is rich is mercy. God is full of compassion.Click to tweet
Do we mess up? Yes. But the real measure of success and growth in the spiritual life is trust in the One who died on the Cross and rose from the dead to save you and me.
If your Lent has been full of twists and turns and you do not know where or how to measure, look at a Crucifix or an image of Divine Mercy. Then begin again. Humble yourself before the One who came to save you. Then begin again.
God loves you more than you can imagine.
Is it that simple? Yes. Is it hard? Yes. But love is worth it.
One of my favorite things to do during Lent is to frequent the Sacraments. Now is the time to make a good Confession and to ask for the grace to receive Holy Eucharist with big, bold confidence in God.
How do we measure infinite Mercy and Love? Can’t. So it is time to finally allow Him to measure for me. Let Him love, save, redeem, purify, heal, teach, and mold me to be more and more His radiant, beloved daughter.
“Lord give me a heart that seeks you above all else. Only You.”
Written by Sister Maria Kim Ngan Bui. Find out more about her here.
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