Lent is upon us already

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34-35)

It’s hard to believe that Lent is upon us already. It seems like just yesterday that we were celebrating Christmas. That’s the way time works though. When there’s a lot going on, time seems to move faster. I know that Lent is already well begun but I think most of us would agree that there is a lot going on, and there’s still time to start a good work.

Every year, during Lent, it has been my practice to try to replace some practice or habit of mine that doesn’t really produce much in the way of “good fruit,” with some new practice that at the very least seems to have the potential to show good fruit.

Sometimes the hardest part is convincing myself that chocolate has been to blame for the lack of good works in my life. Or maybe it’s too much screen time that causes all my lack of holiness. Or some other very low hanging fruit (sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun) that’s relatively easy to give up. Box CHECKED. On with the rest of my day.

My wife is Roman Catholic, and she is very good to keep me informed of things the new Pope has been saying lately. They have a special bond, my wife and Pope Leo. They’re both White Sox fans. But the Pope had a great suggestion for Catholics that all us protestants can also try (even Cubs fans). Let’s make it a competition. Why should Catholics have all the fun?

Here’s part of what he said:

“Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves,” he said. “Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities.” If we do so, we will let words of hatred “give way to words of hope and peace.”

It’s worth a try. I think we can all do this … AND … still get to eat chocolate! PLUS … my wife says I can have CATFISH every Friday during Lent. Let’s DO THIS! It’ll be way more fun than bickering on social media. Go SOX!