What to Pack, What to Leave Behind

An Ash Wednesday Observation - Feb. 18, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

Whether we travel for business or pleasure, if we are traveling for more than a couple of days we usually consider carefully what all we need to take with us, and often make a list to make sure we don't forget: clothes, toiletries, camera, travel documents - money?  We create an itinerary of where we are going and how we are to get there, and even make reservations to make sure that there is a place for us when we get there.

And, especially in this post 9-11 era of travel restrictions and a la carte travel fees, we should just as carefully consider what we should leave behind.  If we have too much baggage then the joy of the trip can be spoiled as we spend time (and money) worrying about what we've brought, or worse, risk problems by having something with us that is restricted and cannot travel with us.

But, if we carefully plan our trip, then we can experience the journey itself as being as enjoyable and interesting as the destination, and we will be better prepared to deal with the unexpected in case we encounter something unplanned along the way.

We should think about our spiritual journey during Lent the same way. The more I can strip away and leave behind, the more I should be able to enjoy the journey.   So what do we need for our Lenten journey?  How do we prepare?

The key lies in the three traditional practices of Lent: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving.

First, Prayer. Prayers are the resources for the journey.  Structured prayers; meditations; Lectio Divina; journaling: all are good resources for enjoying the journey.  Through our daily prayers we are nourished, and through them we open ourselves to the beauty of an encounter with God.  Prayer time also gives us an opportunity to check our "itinerary" to make sure we are still on the track for our journey.  Prayers are our conversation with our traveling companion - God.

Next, Fasting.  Just as we eliminate any excess baggage from our physical travels, fasting allows us to eliminate those things which can be a distraction to us in our spiritual travels.  Maybe it is all of the electronic clutter that interferes with seeing the natural beauty of God around us; maybe it is the excessive food or drink that dulls our senses and keeps us focused into ourselves and not out toward others.  When we fast, we shouldn't focus on what we've lost, but instead look to see what we can replace it with.

Finally, Almsgiving. Almsgiving is an extension of our prayer and fasting as it is through almsgiving that we give up something of ourselves (fasting) for the well-being of another (prayer).  And, if as St. Francis said it is true that "it is in giving that we receive", then this is where the encounters with the joy of Christ occur. While we may be in awe by what we see in our journey, it is in our charitable actions that we get to experience God's love.

So, where are you headed this Lent?  Are you packed and ready to go?