Lean on the Lord during Lent

Experiments in Catholicism

By Emily E. Long

Last summer, I had the opportunity to attend the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, a gathering of 1 million young Catholics to celebrate Mass with Pope Leo. The jubilee was an optional outing on our pilgrimage, and I wasn’t quite sure if I was going to go. I would have to get up early, do a lot of walking, and be around a lot of other people. I was hesitant because I am totally not a morning person, I wasn’t in the best shape, and I really dislike crowds. All of these “I can’t” thoughts were stacking up in my mind, making me more and more nervous to go.

However, I soon brought to mind the Bible verse Philippians 3:14: “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me,” and realized that I wouldn’t get to the Jubilee on my efforts alone — I would need to lean on the Lord.

Soon enough, I was stepping off the tour bus and into the beautiful Italian morning, heading to the Jubilee. Throughout the day, I had moments of anxiety, but I just kept holding onto the truth that He would give me strength.

As we journeyed to the site, I felt like I was going towards something great. With each step, my fears dissipated. When we arrived, the vibes were incredible. I was not just one person in an overwhelming crowd; I was surrounded by a family of 1 million brothers and sisters in Christ. I felt my soul glowing with joy.

Why am I starting with such a triumphant story for my first column during Lent? Well, in just 40 days, Lent will end with the most triumphant story ever told — the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

That’s not to say it’s an easy walk. How many times have you tried to do Lent completely alone? You have all these grand plans, and then you sleep a little too late one morning and boom! There goes your morning prayer time. Then, instead of trying again, that idea takes up residence in the failed Lenten resolutions graveyard. When Lent starts again, you look back on all your failed Lenten plans and suddenly, the “I can’t” thoughts become your roadblocks to holiness.

Let’s reframe those “I can’t” thoughts to “With Christ, I can.” If you want to get up in the morning to pray, ask Jesus for help getting out of bed. If you’re giving up chocolate, ask the Holy Spirit for some temperance and restraint. If you want to go to daily Mass, start giving your day to the Lord, and maybe you will have the time to go.

When you turn to Christ, the limitations you’ve imposed don’t seem like limitations; they turn into freedom. Say you give up social media. You might have the time to actually read for once, or maybe you realize how unhealthy it was for you.

We are not meant to just white-knuckle Lent. Lent is a time for us to grow spiritually and lean on the Lord more than ever. It’s about realizing that doing life alone is nearly impossible without Divine help. So tape a sticky note with Philippians 4:13 somewhere and lean on the Lord this Lent.

Experiment of the week: Think of a Lenten resolution that seems impossible to you. Then ask Jesus to help you out and see what happens.