I'm raking rotten leaves and complaining. Why do I have to toil? Why can't I just do what makes me happy?
And on top of that, it's Lent! As if Christianity itself isn't challenging enough without it. Who would mind a six-month Christmas followed by Easter right after? Half a year of sweets and the rest of the year eggs and sausages...
I'm pushing another wheelbarrow of decaying leaves to the compost. I'm fed up with it. Why do I keep toiling? In my grumbling, the complaints of our little ones echo back to me when I try to drag them away from Legos to household chores.
What a beautiful world it would be if everyone could do what they love. Even the children are so nice when they can build their worlds from colorful blocks without parents pestering them.
But it wouldn't be right for them to just play! After all, what would become of them? The responsible parent in me stirs, urging them: “Come help me rake the leaves!” But that sparks the familiar torrent of complaints: “Why can't we just do what we want?” I wonder who they are complaining about since I'm so resigned and obedient; I wouldn’t hesitate to say I am even quiet and humble in heart and mouth...
When the kids manage to get to the garden, it’s really nice. We are all together, no one is complaining, we talk, help each other, we feel closer than each one alone doing their own thing that they enjoy so much.
Maybe for the same reasons, wise Mother Church instituted Lent, to cultivate something worthwhile from her children for their heavenly Father and to prepare them for the never-ending communion of saints, where we probably won't each be sitting for eternity with our Legos, TVs, or phones.
Perhaps that's why the Church calls every year: “Show if you're already addicted to your pleasures! Set them aside for a month and a little, and help God rake the decaying leaves in the garden of your heart. Gather them and push them into the confessional. Don't be afraid; you don't have to complain, you won't be alone in this fast, you'll enjoy it with your Father; he will guide you on how to do it all better. You will connect more with others, you'll help each other.”
In the end, Lent doesn't seem so terrible, and it can even be as lovely as that afternoon in the garden. It's all about just stepping away for a moment from what seems more important than God and others, and spending time in conversation with the Father. Together, tidying up what hinders and decays. Being with others, listening, and helping those in need. Fasting, confession, prayer, and almsgiving... I really don't understand why there's so much complaining about it...
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