I’ve stashed away the M&M’s, the almond-studded chocolate bars, the crispy cookies — and let’s not forget potato chips, which I crave dearly.
Before anyone declares me a saint, however, I must point out that my sacrifice pales when compared with the tradition of Orthodox Christians, who abstain from meat, fish, eggs, dairy, olive oil and wine during Lent.
Most Christians say “no” to some pleasures as a way to purify themselves during this penitential season. For some, this means forgoing TV, social media, alcoholic beverages, shopping, complaining — and even texting!
The 40-day stretch also involves giving alms to the needy — whether in our neighborhood or halfway across the world.
But there's a third prong to Lent, which was brought home to me after I watched "Father Mike's Guide for Preparing for Lent," a video posted Feb. 25 on the Ascension Press Facebook page.
“What’s one thing you can do that will actually get you closer to Jesus?” Father Mike asked.
When I reflected, I came up with something tougher than sacrificing food and drink — and more challenging than logging off Facebook.
It’s the thing I’m always telling myself I’m going to put first; the thing I suspect others can do better than me.
It’s the practice Jesus himself did regularly, especially when he knew torture and death were imminent. The item that somehow drops to the bottom of our to-do list in our increasingly hectic lives.
As for yours truly, she has time to watch cute animal videos, comment on recipes and exchange funny remarks with friends on social media — but when it comes to prayer, I’ll get to that tomorrow.
I have no excuse, since I have long periods of solitude and silence, during which you’d think I’d be praying — but guess again.
Too often, I’m binge-watching shows on Netflix — while my cat steals more space on the chair he reluctantly shares with me.
This Lent, I’m adding 20 minutes of silent prayer to my daily routine. That’s 20 minutes without texting or tweeting, answering email, doing online shopping, talking on the phone — or watching the latest season of “Person of Interest.”
“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone,” wrote the philosopher Blaise Pascal in the 17th century.
Keep in mind this was before the pings and pongs, whistles and woofs of cellphones found their way into every corner of our lives — including the stillness of sanctuaries.
I’m turning off the phone and reflecting on biblical passages that say Jesus rose early and went off alone to pray.
I’m also recalling that terrible night, when he was face down in the garden, crying bloody tears of anguish — and praying.
My prayers won’t be the “Gimme this and gimme that” type, which are so tempting. Instead, I hope to clear my mind and sit quietly — and listen.
Granted, sometimes all I hear is static in my head, but as the psalmist says, “My hope is in the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
As for me, my hope is that the Big Guy — who can do all things — will whisper an encouraging word.
Don’t get me wrong: I’ll still forgo my favorite treats and help the needy, but I’m giving the Lord a special gift this Lent — which is putting him first on my to-do list.
Lorraine Murray is the author of eight books, most recently “Death Dons a Mask,” a humorous mystery set at a small Decatur parish. Her email is lorrainevmurray@yahoo.com.
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