So Lent continues…Isn’t it funny that we shudder at the thought of suffering in general terms, but many of us are more than willing to endure it for specific reasons like rippling abs, bulging biceps, and toned legs?
Having spent a fair bit of time of my youth in weight rooms, I often heard my fellow gym rats screaming at each other what can only be described as motivation to suffer: “Feel the burn!” “Make it hurt, man!” “If you’re not sore, you’re not growing!”
These “encouragements” (often accompanied by large amounts of spittle), were generally welcomed by the person exercising. They knew it was true. They knew they had to embrace the suffering so as to grow. (“Get big or get out!”)
It’s the same in the spiritual life.
Just as we give up certain foods and force ourselves to exercise for our physical well-being, we need to wean ourselves from worldly fat and work out our spiritual muscles for our eternal well-being. That’s what Lent does. It makes us lean, mean spiritual machines more focused on God.
Keep up the workout and God bless!
Matt
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