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As I prepared to write this week’s column, I struggled immensely with what I should write about. I try to rely on the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, but sometimes I get impatient and force it. And in that, ladies and gentlemen, is my problem. I know I must follow God’s will and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, yet I try to take control and do what I think is best. We know what happens next – anxiety and less reliance on God.

I should have seen this coming since in the past week my regular morning prayers, lunchtime rosary and daily Mass readings were occurring less than typical. It is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of the day that we take our eyes off the business of the day – staying focused on Jesus and following His example of following the will of the Father. 

The first step in remediating a problem is identifying and acknowledging that a problem exists and then setting a corrective plan in motion. Regardless of any deadlines, distractions, or excuses, when I take my gaze off Jesus, things in my life do not go as well as they were when I was more focused on living my mission of being a disciple of Christ.

Lent is our call to action! It is in essence our corrective plan to refocus and better prepare ourselves for the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Being a Christian is not easy. Following Jesus’ example and loving others as much as we love ourselves is radical. There are countless temptations, distractions and struggles in our world today – Jesus is the remedy. He is the ultimate prescription for everything that ails us. When things get tough, we don’t just survive, but we thrive by staying focused on Him.

The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane allows us to witness Jesus’ humanity and suffering in such an intimate way.  Matthew 26:39 reads, He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” Can you imagine the intensity of this scene? Despite the sacrifice and excruciating pain that lies before Jesus, He obediently follows the will of the Father. Let us pray that we may have the courage to follow the will of the Father despite the sacrifice and suffering it may entail. Put aside all the noise and distractions of our hectic world and seek a quiet place to pray with such fervor and intentionality that we may hear God’s voice during this very special season of Lent.

Tom Cronin is the Advisor to the Bishop for Evangelization in the Diocese of Albany. Contact Tom with any questions about boosting evangelization efforts at your parish at [email protected] or by visiting https://www.rcda.org/evangelization. Follow me on Instagram: tom_rcda

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