It’s Not About the Chocolate! A Lenten Reflection from a Rectory Receptionist

by Linda Olsen

It’s Not About the Chocolate! A Lenten
Reflection from a Rectory Receptionist

Giving up chocolate for Lent has been a part of my holy season sacrifice for as long as I can remember. But a recent devotional reminded me that lent is not about my self improvement goals. Yes it’s nice to eat healthier, exercise more, and spend less time on the computer, but my goal should not be about ME! Lent should be about JESUS and, in particular, about emulating His love.

Yes it’s nice to eat healthier, exercise more, and spend less time on the computer, but my goal should not be about ME! Lent should be about JESUS and, in particular, about emulating His love.

Jesus died on the Cross for me so that I would know how much He loves me. My Lenten journey should likewise model His unselfish sacrificial love. “Giving Up” things during Lent is great if I honor Jesus during the process; but it isn’t really ‘sacrificial’ if my co-workers have to listen to me complain about how much I miss my iced tea, processed food, and chocolate. “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them” (Mt 6:1).

To live my faith more fully during this Lenten season, I am called to pray, fast, and be more charitable. Jesus’ example of discipline when tempted by Satan, and his dying
such a horrific death, give me reason to take on my cross in solidarity with Him during these 40 days.

As we enter the third week of Lent, I’m still inventing my sacrificial commitments. My prayer life has improved, but varies daily. I love the Dynamic Catholic “Best Lent
Ever” videos and the “Blessed is She” daily reflections. Rosaries, Bible reading, Stations of the Cross, and sitting before the Blessed Sacrament after work are all helping me
feel closer to God. I am happy that our parishes offer the Baby Bottles and Rice Bowls as a way to donate to those less fortunate, but I still need to do better in my service to
others. Fasting from my favorite foods has been my hardest sacrifice. This is where I feel most tempted and where I am constantly asking God to help keep me united with his suf-
fering.

So, it’s not about the chocolate...but it is about any personal sacrifices that will honor God during these 40 days in the desert. I shall continue to walk this journey with Jesus, persevering during the temptations, knowing that these efforts will better prepare me to celebrate Christ’s resurrection.

And if a chocolate bunny appears in my basket on Easter Sunday, Alleluia!