Practice Makes Perfect

From Daniel:

We are reduced, O Lord, beyond any other nation,
brought low everywhere in the world this day. ...
Now we follow you with our whole heart ...

This echoes the words that brought me back this Lent. "Return to me with your whole heart."

It does so often happen that when we're at our lowest point, we look to the Lord to lift us up. It almost seems as if we're saying we have nothing left to lose, so that's when we seek the grace of God.  It's definitely been true for me throughout my life, and I wish it weren't the case.

I need to remember that using the tools of my faith continually might keep me from sinking so low that only God's grace can rescue me. What tools? What are the best reminders that God is always there, not just in the bad times?

For me, I'm at my best when I reflect regularly—on scripture, and on my own actions. I've always kept a journal, but I find it hard to stay consistent with it. (That's why this blog helps to keep me accountable. It "forces" me, for lack of a better word, to examine each day's readings and think about what they mean for me.)

I'm also finding this Lent that returning to Sunday Mass is important. To be honest, it's been a mixed experience. My first Sunday back was powerful, but this past week, not so much. Uninspiring homilist, and a cantor and choir that were impossible to understand. (Good music at Mass is so important!) And maybe I just wasn't present enough. But the one element that consistently inspires me is the communion. It's heartening to be among a community of believers who are seeking (and hopefully finding) comfort and peace and fulfillment—or whatever it is they're looking for.

I'm grateful for a God who accepts my prayers and attention whether they come with regularity or only in moments of extreme distress. But it would be so much better for me if I offered them consistently. When Lent is over, let me remember what keeps me most whole and what keeps God's grace with me.