Coffee with God

By Peggy Sue Mutchler
Program and Events Coordinator

Here we are, several weeks into our Lenten Journey. The ashes have settled. The purple has become familiar. The first good intentions of Lenten promises have either deepened, or grown quiet . . . but isn’t that where the Lord begins to do His most important work?

“Return to me with your whole heart.” -Joel 2:12

Isn’t the Church beautiful in all of her Wisdom, giving us forty days not to accomplish something spectacular, but to return. I hear the homilies repeating this theme of return, repent, believe, listen, trust. At Mass each week we hear the scripture unfold in a similar way, “Create in me O’ Lord, a clean heart.” That really speaks to me.

How often have I built up the walls of my heart, just so, that nothing undesirable can enter in. I am guarded, protected, safe.  But the problem with that is that nothing good can enter either. Ouch. I have become reliant on myself.

I am so grateful for reconciliation, where little pieces of my hardened heart can be chipped away. God is in that confessional, just waiting for me to come to Him. He is waiting for you too.

We are so blessed in our Diocese where many Mercy Nights are offered across our parishes. Can you see the importance of running to God during this season? Lent is a time for a relationship to be restored, a relationship with God.

The Church invites us into three practices during Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. (Matthew 6: 1-18)  Midway through Lent is the perfect time to gently ask ourselves:

~Has my prayer become more honest? More disciplined? Am I able to spend 10 minutes, maybe 20, a day in God’s presence? Can I empty myself out enough to sit in His loving silence? Can I be still enough to let Him fill me back up with His love and His mercy?

~Has my fasting made room for God — or has it just made me irritable?

~ Has my almsgiving stretched my heart toward God? Am I able to rely on Him and Him alone? Can I trust that He will take care of me?

God is waiting.
He loves you beyond measure.
He desires you.
You are His beloved child.
Run to Him. Sit with Him. Trust in Him.

The practices of Praying, Fasting, and Almsgiving uncover what we rely on besides Christ. We might feel as if we are in a desert; actually, this is right where we need to be.

Remember, the Gospels themselves remind us that Jesus also enters a desert. We just had that Gospel reading on February 22—Matthew 4:1-11, when Jesus was tempted in the desert.

The desert is not a punishment; it is preparation. It is where attachments are revealed and identity is clarified.

Our desert might look different than the one Jesus visited. Ours might be a difficult conversation, or a hidden sacrifice, or prayer time that feels dry. But through Scripture, Jesus shows us how to respond. And you know what?

The Lord will meet us there.

So, keep your chin up. Gain some ground. It is okay to be joyful in our suffering. It is what we are called to do. Holiness grows quietly. If you need a little encouragement, pray for zeal. Pray for joy in the suffering. Take God to coffee and discuss everything with Him.

If you need a fresh start, try this:

1.     Choose one concrete act of hidden charity this week.

2.     Spend five quiet minutes after communion, simply praising the Lord.

3.     Examine one attachment that makes you less free and surrender it to the Lord.

As we continue towards Holy Week, things will intensify. The Cross will become clearer. God is at work, and in these small sacrifices we offer, we will see God’s love for us in a whole new light.

Let us walk together toward Easter as disciples being transformed by God’s love and mercy. Let us return to Him with our whole heart.

“A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit.” -Psalm 51:12