Sunday, March 5, 2017

Lent is Spring Training

March is finally here – although it was much warmer in February.! March means that all the baseball teams are in Florida or Arizona getting ready for the new season. They call it Spring Training.
Some players, like Tim Tebow of the Mets, want to see if they have what it takes to play Major League Baseball.  All the players – veterans and rookies – want to work on their skills. They want to practice their hitting, fielding and running.   They want to become better players.
Lent means “Spring.” Someone once described Lent as Spring Training for the soul. We want to be better followers of Jesus.
Jesus spent 40 days in the desert – to get ready for his public ministry. So, Lent is 40 days. In the desert, Jesus faced different temptations.  He did not want to make the same mistakes that Adam and Eve did – to give into temptation and sin.
1)     Turn stones into bread – get something, buy something, eat something: that will be the answer! So, we Fast During Lent. Many of us give up something – Twitter lists top 5: alcohol, social networking, chocolate, twitter & chips.  We offer it up – unite with Jesus sacrifice. Even more important – fast from sin – make a good Confession.
2)     Throw yourself from the temple – test God.  Jesus always – not my will but you will be done.  And so, we pray – St. John Damascene - lift up minds and hearts to God. Morning, evening, meals, Mass, Bible, Rosary, Stations.
3)     Bow down and worship me -  power and glory – the answer is to serve others – almsgiving. Pope Francis says if you see someone in need - just give.  We will do that next Friday with all the Midnight Run donations you gave us.  Rice Bowls, SVDP, your favorite charities & very important – give yourself to your own family.
One player at Spring Training this year is Tim Tebow. He is trying to see if he is good enough to play for the Mets.
Asked: Do you feel pressure?  “What pressure? You mean 0 for 12 vs like fighting for your life or being homeless.  That’s why there is no comparison – that’s why you can handle pressure in sports – it’s a game!”
“Sports - It’s not why I am here, it is not my biggest purpose, it is not my biggest calling. It’s not how I want to be known in my life – not to be known as a football or baseball player. I want my life to be so much more than that!”
“I want to be someone that was known for bringing faith, hope and love for those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. This is so much bigger than sports.”

Thank you, Mr., Tebow – sound like a definition of a good Christian. – a great reminder WHY we need the season of Lent!