This week in the Byzantine Catholic world we (at least those of us on the Western/Eastern calendar.....it's complicated) contemplate the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. This begins what is called the Triodion, which is a three week period of preparation for Great Lent. Lent itself is a preparation for the feast of Pascha (Easter). We like to be really prepared here on the Eastern side of things. The recurring theme during this time is repentance and forgiveness. We make a conscious decision to turn away from our sins and back towards God. The focus during this first week being especially on humility. Here is a link for more info if you are interested: https://www.goarch.org/triodion
In one of my nights of insomnia a couple weeks ago, I ways lying there thinking about all the things that were driving me crazy. All the things that were wrong with the world, and all the people who I thought were to blame. As my blood pressure started to rise, I was reminded that I have quite a few flaws myself and that I am really the only person I have the power to change. If I actually applied all of that emotional energy in the direction of sincerely praying for others and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, improving myself, what amazing things could be accomplished? It's true that there is a time and a place for gently correcting others, but Jesus made it pretty clear that we'd better focus on the plank in our own eye before we try to remove the speck from our brother's eye. With the Lenten season upon us, I decided to make this my main challenge for the duration. It is so much easier to point fingers than it is to look at where I am to blame. Facebook memes make it pretty easy to do this with rapid, one line, narrowly focused zingers....and oh how I love zingers. However, are they actually helping anything or are they just perpetuating the problem? That is the question I always ask my kids when they are fighting with each other. Are your current actions making this situation better or worse? How can we make it better? I admit I'm not so good at applying this to myself (just ask my poor husband).
So here I am, a weak sinner, imperfect and in need of grace. I pray that God shows me the major planks in my eye that need to be addressed. I desire to be like the Publican in this weeks parable, humble before God. Please pray for me on the journey.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions, and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages. Amen.
