By Tina-401203
Because we’re single, most people assume our lives are fun, ambitious, and rather self centered. I can attest that that is not true for many of us, who can rarely find a minute to breath.
Living the single life is a daily challenge, even for those of us embracing it again. Lent is a penitential time of prayerful sacrifice, giving, and fasting. As I explained this wonderful liturgical season to my junior high religious education class, I began to recognize what an impact it can have on our lives – no matter what our age.
Prayerful sacrifice as a single person can be difficult because often we feel as if we’re waiting for our lives to begin, so what can I sacrifice?
What about our egos? The Litany of Humility is one of the simplest but most difficult prayers I have ever uttered. It asks us to set aside our wants and pray that others receive the blessings we desire.
One of our priests recently gave his homily on forgiveness, which is what Lent is all about. The first step to find peace through forgiveness is to identify with whom you need to find peace. Make a list of those people. Then identify all your personal prayer intentions, and finally, pray for those listed people, that they may receive all that you want for yourself.
Now that’s a challenging approach, but when I explain to my students all that Jesus humbled Himself to do for us, this task seems so miniscule in comparison.
So take a moment this Lent to release yourself of your desires – whether it’s for a partner, a friend, or just a greater sense of community – and humbly pray that others receive it. If we all pray for each other without regard for our own wants, then miracles will happen.
Reflection question: How can you take a step toward forgiveness today?
