Lent is NOT a time to go into the desert and DO something. It is a time to go out into the desert to meet SOMEONE. It is a time to encounter Christ, "to turn from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." Encounters with Christ may cause some abrasion and discomfort, but this must not be simply a grumbling stomach or a caffeine withdrawal. The discomfort ought to be from the sanding away of all your rough edges, the purging of pride, soreness from bending low before the Maker - spiritual, intangible, absolutely intense.
Therefore, in determining what to do for Lent, do not think primarily about "what do I really like?" and then automatically give that up without a second thought. Think, "what do I really want to be like?" and make some minor adjustments to smooth away those rough edges. When you do give something up, give it up with the intention of uniting yourself to Him for the sake of that conversion.
This is what Lent is all about, what life is all about, what being a Knight is all about: conversion. Turning. Changing. Becoming like Christ. As a Knight of the Immaculata, we become like Christ, by becoming other "Mary's" for the world. How? St. Maximilian Kolbe gives two main points. I invite you to reflect on these and see how you can better live them this Lent.
1st: Totally Consecrate Yourself to the Immaculata. Live and renew passionately your Consecration.
2nd: Unite your will to the Will of God in the faithful fulfillment of daily obligations. Trust in His active presence in every aspect of your life.
The 1st, naturally, is a catalyst for living the second. In short: Be a Knight. More to come...
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