I don’t know if you have been watching the Olympics. I am simply amazed at the young athletes who push their limits in trying to win a gold medal. On the one hand, I truly admire them for the hard work they put into their goal. On the other hand, if they do not win a gold medal, very often they break down in tears or become very

depressed. I feel so sorry for them not just for losing but because of how they think their loss was disastrous. For at least they tried. Isn’t it better that a person tries hard and loses than not to try at all? Lent is a time when we get to examine how hard we have tried to follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus. Our spiritual goals may seem “Olympian” at times. For example, “Love those who hate and reject you”; “If you have something against your neighbor and bring your gift to the altar, leave your gift at the altar and first reconcile with your neighbor”; “Put aside your desire for power, possessions, and pleasure, care for the poor instead.” Wow! These are hard goals to reach. As much as we might try to fulfill them, we often fall short. But because of the love of Jesus, we are never out of the race. We can always “win” (conquer our own fear, pride, or worry) with the help of His love. Lent helps us to mature our faith; one step at a time. Take prayer for example. We know from personal experience that even our most sincere prayers, no matter how fervent and numerous, aren’t always answered – or are answered in unforeseen ways. In such cases it’s tempting to wonder if we haven’t petitioned fervently enough, or too much. Jesus’ example certainly encourages us to pray for other’s needs, and His words instruct us to lift up our own. Yet when our specific requests are categorically denied (“Let this cup pass”), we must accept that a broader plan is at work (“Not as I will, but as you will,” Mt 26:39). May we always trust in His wisdom, whatever response our petitions receive. We may not think we have won the “gold medal of faith,” but God gives us a great reward for just trying our best: a promise of eternal life!       ~ Fr. John