2nd Week of Lent

"Lord, it is good that we are here.”

Complacency is such a temptation. It’s a temptation the spiritual life. It’s easy to say “I’m in a good place.” I want to stay right here, where I am comfortable.” The same is true for our physical condition as well. I remember so often telling myself “Hey, I am happy with myself and that’s all that matters.” Yet it wasn’t true. I wasn’t happy. I was settling for less.

In my first year of priesthood, I thought I had done well. My preaching was well-received, my ministry was successful and my ordinary was pleased. It wasn’t perfect, mind you, but it was good. “Lord it is good that I am here.” Then at one moment I had realized that I was not happy with myself. I hadn’t read a book in over a year. My prayer life was inconsistent. I smoked like a chimney and I had given up on physical self-improvement.

I can relate to Peter on the mountaintop. Seeing the Lord revealed in glory with the embodiment of the Law and the Prophets which he fulfilled had to be amazing, a glory beyond telling! It’s no wonder Peter wanted to pitch tents and stay there. Yet, in Luke’s account, we receive some insight to another motive for Peter to stay on the mountain we learn that Jesus, Moses and Elijah were “speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” Peter wanted the Glory but, wanted it apart from the cross.

So often in my life I find myself wanting instant results. I want holiness. I want health. I want virtue. Yet I fail to recognize that my salvation came at a cost to the Lord, and that he invites me to participate in this cross in order to draw me to him. And yes, this includes my diet, my exercise and my spiritual life. I pray that in this Lenten season we may be invigorated by the Glory of the Lord revealed, in order to face the cross as we strive to be the best version of what God has called us to be.

Eat Clean. Be Fit. Pray well.

Fr. Casey.