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Lenten Meditation

And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mark 14:37-42)

This Lent I am invited not only to see what my Savior did for my redemption, but to stand guard against anything or anyone that would seek to breach my security and take those benefits from me. During Lent I am especially reminded of this constant spiritual struggle, perhaps most intense for me throughout the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the source and summit of our worship and being. My husband and I often talk about this struggle, because we have three children three and under who demand our constant attention at church, and it is extremely hard to concentrate on the readings and the Real Presence. Upon reading this scripture passage, I asked myself is it merely coincidence that the average church service lasts about one hour? Is it also coincidence that often I have trouble concentrating in church for that one hour? Is it "the tempter's power" that makes my mind wander with various distractions? It's amazing how much can crowd in to fill up an hour, especially if that hour is supposed to be dedicated to you, O God. In our experience, we have discovered that sitting in a pew rather than a cry room helps our children as well as us be more reflective and participate in Mass. Also making sure they are well fed before Mass and letting them only look at children bibles or faith related books during Mass helps all of us to focus on Christ. After Mass we approach the altar as a family and say a prayer together or light candles for people. At this point if things have been crazy during Mass, my husband and I take turns sitting quietly in the pew rereading the scripture passages and reflecting on the Mass. Above all we find that what helps us most is realizing that God is most pleased that we come to Mass as a family and that when we do have to deal with a difficult child, Christ is giving us the opportunity to serve Him through our little one with loving patience and kindness, and we can offer this sacrifice back to Him. I hear clearly Christ's words to Satan's temptations in the desert, "You shall worhship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve." Even in church - maybe especially in church - help me to learn that faithful response .... and put it into practice.