Lent will soon be upon us and St. Benedict calls on us to …deny [ourselves] some food, drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting, and look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing.
One of my favorite shows is “Clean Sweep,” where a family is challenged to make a clean sweep of one or two rooms in their house and get rid of all the clutter. Usually they are amazed at how much “clutter” they have accumulated and how much they really did not need.
So, how have you been accumulating “treasure” during the past year? How much of it is essential and how much is just the temporary treasures that we thought were important at the time? The Desert Fathers and Mothers, which are so popular with many of you, were constantly reminding us about how little was essential in life. They were absorbed with only one treasure, Jesus Christ, and many had a clear understanding of what was essential and what was not.
Many of us maintain busy schedules: family, work, volunteer obligations, etc. All of these take up the bulk of our day and many complain that they do not have time to pray as they would like because of it. Possessions can clutter up our homes, but schedules can clutter up the mind and heart as well.
So perhaps this Lent we can make a “Clean Sweep” of our lives and see how much is “clutter” and how much is essential? Take the time to look honestly at how we spend our money and give our time. Read Chapters 39, 40, and 49 of the Rule (they are short) and take to heart what Benedict asks of us. But do not forget the warning in Chapter 49:
8Everyone should, however, make known to the abbot what he intends to do, since it ought to be done with his prayer and approval. 9Whatever is undertaken without the permission of the spiritual father will be reckoned as presumption and vainglory, not deserving a reward. 10Therefore, everything must be done with the abbot’s approval.
Perhaps it would be wiser not to ask all 130 Oblates to seek the abbot’s approval. You should ask your confessor, spiritual director, or a close confident (spouses can be very honest here!) for advice and follow that person’s counsel. Remember, “nothing harsh, nothing burdensome.” What you are seeking is a change of life style that you can continue after Lent – and few of us are called to the desert!
