tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001212361881658125.post7458112777661154605..comments2024-03-09T08:49:51.461-05:00Comments on Downtown Monks: THE FIRST DAYS OF LENTFr Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195307683109646666noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001212361881658125.post-55802480408258954842009-02-27T17:41:00.000-05:002009-02-27T17:41:00.000-05:00I was once told by a very wise priest friend of mi...I was once told by a very wise priest friend of mine that if you were going to give something up for Lent, especially because it's "bad" for you, then you should take something good up in it's place. He also said that if you gave up that "bad" thing for 40 days, then you should be able to continue on without that thing for the days after Lent ends.<BR/><BR/>It's hard to find a balance between being penitential and going over board (hair shirt anyone?). Benedict is all about helping us find that balance. I am just really thankful that there are things like the Rule of St Benedict and Pilgrim Road to help us understand and strike this ever wanted balance.<BR/><BR/>Wiz<BR/>Philadelphia, PAWizfisherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17957296560170725099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001212361881658125.post-52330125846853983822009-02-26T22:22:00.000-05:002009-02-26T22:22:00.000-05:00That's a great point Anonymous 1. I was taking a ...That's a great point Anonymous 1. I was taking a group of kids to a local college Wednesday, and the conversation drifted to what each student was giving up for lent, as if it were the reason for the season. I'm looking forward to this journey.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001212361881658125.post-16890337884488832782009-02-26T16:36:00.000-05:002009-02-26T16:36:00.000-05:00I think many of us have perceived Lent as a time t...I think many of us have perceived Lent as a time to repent - making up for what we have done wrong throughout the year - a time of "giving up", atoning for sins, etc., rather than viewing it as an opportunity to grow in our relationship with the Lord. We focus on the negative rather than the positive opportunities Lent can afford us. I appreciate the idea of seeing and experiencing it as a chance to be nourished, to consciously turn towards God, and to let Him lead in improving my relationship with, and reliance on Him. Perhaps that is what He's been asking all along, but I've been so busy with my head down, I missed His call.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com