Lent is hard.
We’re just over a week into this penitential season and already we can feel defeated.
Maybe you’ve already broken those Lenten resolutions you made with such determination. Maybe you’re struggling with fasting and physical penance. Maybe you’ve kept all your Lenten intentions but still feel burdened and depleted spiritually.
For some of us, the sacrifices we’ve committed to can feel burdensome, and the demands of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving can weigh heavily on our busy lives.
No matter where you find yourself this Lent, remember that these small defeats are an important part of your Lenten journey!
It is within these difficulties that we can find profound opportunities for growth and grace.
St. Teresa of Avila teaches us that those who walk closest to Christ often endure the greatest trials, and Lent is an opportunity to walk with Christ in the desert. Yet she reminds us that God will never abandon us in these struggles. Rather, He will always provide us with the strength necessary to suffer them well. She wrote:
“Courage, courage, my daughters. Remember that God does not give anyone more trials than can be suffered and that his majesty is with the afflicted. For this is certain; there is no reason to fear but to hope in his mercy. He will reveal the whole truth; and some machinations, which the devil kept hidden so as to create a disturbance, will be made known.”
These small moments of weakness and difficulty are also opportunities for profound humility. Sometimes the lessons of Lent are not beautiful ones of self-sacrifice, but difficult ones of personal humility. The lessons learned in weakness will teach us that we cannot trust ourselves to be strong; rather, we must rely on God, who gives us His strength in abundance.
Strength requires struggle and our spiritual lives require strength. This Lent, remind yourself to remain in the Lord’s strength with this Be Strong Glass Water Bottle. We all need to drink water, especially when fasting, and this water bottle helps you stay hydrated with style, all while encouraging you in your faith. Order yours today from The Catholic Company!
