How do I want to get ready for Lent? More quiet and thoughtful? More open to God’s wills? Do I need to be more concentrated in my spiritual life?
In the days prior to Lent, try one or more of these suggestions.
Ask God, every day, “What does my soul need?” Just ask, and wait quietly. It might take several days of praying this question before we’re truly open and humble enough to know the answer.
Ask God, every day, “What about my life makes you happy?” Yes, when God looks at your life, many of its parts are damaged, have to replenish with your own good thoughts and deeds. That would be more joyful to God. Think of how your children or grandchildren or other people close to you make you happy. God is in a relationship with you, which means that your sins grieve God’s heart, but also that your growth and love and freedom and kindness bring joy to God of the universe.
Tell Him, and yourself, every day, “I want to be open to the graces of this Lenten season.” Maybe you’re not open right now, or you’re not as open and willing as you’d like to be or think you should be. What else is new? We can always open our lives a bit more, let go of more stuff, listen better, and do more quickly and passionately what we know helps nurture God’s kingdom on earth.