The fact that this idea is not rejected at first glance shows the deep unhealthiness of the Church here in the United States (and perhaps elsewhere). What is the point of Ash Wednesday? If the point is to merely give a passing thought to repentance and penitence and go about your usual life you are doing exactly what the Lord Jesus forbids in the appointed Gospel for the day!
When we fail to order our time with a rule not only do we cut ourself off from God, but we cut ourselves off from how God would use each other to help us see our giftings. We can’t identify our gifts if we take no time to be taught what they are. Consequently, we cannot recognize God’s gifts in ourselves or in others and we are stifled. That is not God’s plan.
Even if we could get the balance of life correct, sin gets involved in our desires and expectations. Where do we see God’s grace not just forgiving us our sins but also transforming us in these relationships? Where does the community of Christ fit into the discussion? How can evaluating our relationships help us in asking God to increase his grace so that we can grow in virtue?
This Sunday I am beginning a rule of life class which aims at making some of these patters (along with others) more intentional for each of us, I hope you will consider attending for the next seven weeks. Let’s commit ourselves as those who have been redeemed and saved by Jesus to follow his example in ordering our lives and our households together.
The fact that this idea is not rejected at first glance shows the deep unhealthiness of the Church here in the United States (and perhaps elsewhere). What is the point of Ash Wednesday? If the point is to merely give a passing thought to repentance and penitence and go about your usual life you are doing exactly what the Lord Jesus forbids in the appointed Gospel for the day!
