I have to start today’s column with a confession of sorts, as I mentioned in my Ash Wednesday homily, between 2021 & the 1st of December 2023, I went to the gym a grand total of 1 time. For just about 3 years I was constantly finding an excuse not to go...I was too tired, I had too many things to do around the parishes, I didn’t want to make the drive, etc. Then, in December of 2023, I made a choice to get things back in order & in only 2 months of the new year, I’m already close to 20 check-in’s at the gym for 2024. And I can honestly say that I feel so much better, both physically & mentally, because of that choice.

  Why do I bring that up you might wonder? I bring it up, not for a pat on the back or for any praise from you. I share it with you because it was an intentional choice that I made that helped me to, as I reflect on it, love you more fully. Yes, when I’m at the gym I’m not at the parish doing something ministry related. But, that regular, conscious, intentional choice to exercise, to attend to my own physical health, I’ve noticed, has helped me to feel less stressed, less anxious, & to be able to better be there for & with you. I made an intentional choice that has helped me to better love you & minister to & with you. And, isn’t that what this season of Lent is calling us to? To make an intentional, conscious, deliberate choice to love God & one another more. Whatever practices we’ve undertaken during these Lenten days...our prayer, fasting, & almsgiving, shouldn’t they be practices that are going to intentionally help us to be a more loving, caring, compassionate disciple of Jesus Christ? They should. The invitation is there, then for each of us to examine our own Lenten practices & honestly ponder the question, “Is what I’m doing this Lent really intentionally helping me to love God & others more?” “Will my prayer, fasting, & almsgiving help me to be a better disciple?” If the answer is yes, then great! But maybe we might need to make a few adjustments, & if we do, that’s fine, there’s no shame in that. Perhaps the greater regret would be allowing the opportunity for change & growth pass us by.

  How are you being invited this Lenten season to “go back to the gym?” What is that fasting, that prayer, that almsgiving that God is calling you to undertake to mold you into a more loving, compassionate, merciful disciple? Don’t be afraid to ask the question & don’t be afraid to “go back to the gym!”