Lent invites us to embark on a spiritual journey toward Easter. It is a time of conversion, penance, and renewal. It is also a favorable time to make resolutions that can bring about changes in our lives through sacrifice, consistency, and patience.
But how do we choose our resolutions?
Saint Thomas Aquinas's suggestion
Saint Thomas Aquinas teaches us that if we aim for lofty and “perfect” resolutions, we will hardly manage to keep them, and at the first obstacle we will abandon the path we have begun. It is preferable to focus on one small resolution and then, once it has been achieved, move on to another.
What meaning should we give to this journey?
When we embark on a journey that should lead us to real change, it is important to find a motivation and seek meaning in our actions. By giving Lent meaning, we will then be able to decide on a resolution and practice it consistently.
The resolution must be concrete and within our reach
To choose a resolution, we need to start from our concrete situation, beginning with the various relational contexts in which we are involved (work, family, neighborhood, parish). “Smile at that colleague,” “drastically reduce the time spent on social media,” “devote more time to family members and listening to those around us.” These are many small things and acts of attention that we can put into practice and review at the end of the day.
Prayer: the main resolution
In this favorable time, when we put many small good practices into action, let us give a privileged place to prayer, which we should intensify. Amid the din of daily life, let us set aside moments of silence for prayer. Communication with God helps us discern our story in the light of His Word.
Pope Francis reminds us that “Lent is a journey that involves our entire lives, our whole selves. It is a time to examine the paths we are taking, to find again the way that leads us home, to rediscover our fundamental bond with God, on whom everything depends.” Have a good journey, one step at a time!
Do you have a resolution to suggest? Write it in the comments.
