The first step of Lent is to consider our disciplines—their purpose, their effect, our response. At least that seems to be the import of the selections quoted from both Merton and Oliver Clement. Both seem to see the process as starting with awakening, increased awareness. Clearing away the ‘silt’, discarding the irrelevant comes next. Then the response—risk and freedom according to our teachers.
So let’s take some time to consider, to reflect knowing, that “You [God will] save me from distress” (Ps. 31(30)).
I wrote:
If I choose my disciplines from the perspective of their purpose I choose differently than if I let should and convention dictate the way. But this is dangerous for I may never choose, or I may choose what I want and forget the need; I may choose wrongly and lose the gift. Being aware of self, of where I am, of God, of God’s pulling is the beginning. Perhaps the whole of Lent will be about the choosing for a disciplined life is not just a Lenten thing. Abandoning old ways can be freeing but also killing. It is risky. Trying the new is often painful for I am inept and fail. I long for comfort of the known. The new way may be wrong I fear. Charting along uncharted waters is fraught with peril.
So what is my choice? What is yours?
So let’s take some time to consider, to reflect knowing, that “You [God will] save me from distress” (Ps. 31(30)).
I wrote:
If I choose my disciplines from the perspective of their purpose I choose differently than if I let should and convention dictate the way. But this is dangerous for I may never choose, or I may choose what I want and forget the need; I may choose wrongly and lose the gift. Being aware of self, of where I am, of God, of God’s pulling is the beginning. Perhaps the whole of Lent will be about the choosing for a disciplined life is not just a Lenten thing. Abandoning old ways can be freeing but also killing. It is risky. Trying the new is often painful for I am inept and fail. I long for comfort of the known. The new way may be wrong I fear. Charting along uncharted waters is fraught with peril.
So what is my choice? What is yours?
What stance do I take? What stance will you take?
How can we let God ‘save me from distress’?
Blessings
Caroline
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