We’ve sounded the call for Lent, we’ve made preparations for its coming, and now, with Ash Wednesday on March 1, it is finally upon us.
The Apostle Paul compares the Christian life to a race, one that demands preparation and training. He writes these words to the Corinthians: “Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified” (1 Cor 9:25–27).
Our culture celebrates those who excel in the training of their bodies to do the seemingly impossible, but sadly we give little regard to the training of our bodies to walk in the way of Christ. And yet it too demands preparation and training; growth takes intentionality; it takes effort.
Let’s make sure that we recommit ourselves to spiritual training during this Lenten season. Consider the following:
- Take advantage of a Lenten Pastorate
- Participate in Noonday Eucharist on Wednesdays
- Try fasting once a week
- Attend the Sunday Catechesis Classes
- Go to our Prayer & Healing Service on March 22
- Read a Lenten devotional with a friend
- Attend Union’s Scholar-In-Residence Series
- Find a couple of hours each week for solitude
- Sit with someone you know in a nursing home
There are lots of opportunities to train your body to be empowered by the Spirit to walk the way of Christ.