A Happy Easter to all of you!

It probably would’ve been appropriate to have created more posts during Cathoclick’s First Lenten season, but it has been a tough stretch for me. The job search has finally come to a close, lasting a good 2.5 months, and I can relax a little bit. But there’s much to do, and I’d like to get to the point where things here can be more consistent. In my early 30s, I know there are certain expectancies of what I’m supposed to know and do. But you know, there really is still a lot to learn about life and religion. And to improve on them both.

So, how was Lent for you? Was there something you gave up or something you didn’t? I guess just like anything, it is what you make it to be.

For me, Lent goes something a little like this. It is a time to honor the religion, pay a bit more attention to it, as well as work on yourself as a member of the Catholic church. I’d really like to know how many of you stop to reflect on how much more you can do as a Catholic, how you can make improvements within yourself to be even more of one, and how to make a signature mark as we’re called to do.

Let me back up a bit. When it comes to speaking about religion, it really is a mode of thinking and a way of life also.

I know there are so many who adopt the “I gave up ___ for Lent.” Giving up something for the season is respectable, reminds you of Jesus’ time in the desert, what He has done for you, etc…

Let me remind you that I’m here to provide a different point of view.

I do find value in “giving something up,” but I’m not necessarily sure removing something from my life for an extended period of time actually teaches me as much as, say, adopting something that’s an alternative to what’s part of your everyday.

So, what do I mean?

The focus of removing something is not necessarily as strong as a practice of something new that you would immerse yourself in. Take, for example, the following:

“Giving up soda for Lent” as opposed to “Choosing water as your beverage for all your meals.”

Or perhaps:

“Giving up meat for Lent” as opposed to “Concentrating on a vegetarian practice for 40 days.”

One year, I chose to dress well everyday at work instead of “not looking scruffy” at a workplace where there was no specific dress code. For me, it instilled a bit more of a lesson and that’s really how things are learned. Lent is a new season, a new year, and I find ironies in that it’s like carrying out a strict New Year’s resolution.

Another example:

Doing cardio exercises while watching TV, instead of just watching TV on the couch.

You get the picture?

You as a Catholic

I always make a point to stop and reflect how I could be a better person for whoever and overall. And it’s not easy, because I have to admit there are more personalities that I’ve had to deal with that didn’t necessarily fit my ideal kind of crowd. I can’t understand their way of communication, don’t appreciate the humor, behavior, off-the-wall thinking, etc. And yet, I must maintain some objectivity, patience, pleasantry, and respect for them all.

A wise piece of advice at Luke 6:31, while also being The Golden Rule, states: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” But being cruel does not bode well in this case, and is certainly a reflection of you as a person. Even thinking ill of someone does not fly.

Furthermore, one of the passages that I always had trouble with is from Matthew (Mt 5:43-48):

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for He makes His sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

It is tough, but I believe this allows you to have a greater and broader perspective. Find their “good side” and just roll with it. Who’s to say you can’t learn something useful from them?

But know there’s another passage that addresses those who you can’t stand. Ironically, one that I had trouble with and probably, the most of any. Also from Matthew (Mt 18:15-17):

“If your brother sins (against you), go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.”

Is this easy to do? Not one bit, but the effort is there for God to see.

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