Most people associate Lent as a time to sacrifice our daily vices that serve as a detriment to our overall health and peace of mind or as a time to do something to benefit us in one way or another—by giving up ice cream, by refusing to go on Facebook, or by promising to attend Mass every Sunday. I, however, have found Lent to be an opportunity to recognize true strength.
Many will equate strength with toughness—masking one’s emotions so that one might not appear weak or vulnerable. Yet, it is that vulnerability that allows us to grow and to find true strength within ourselves. Vulnerability allows us to succumb to our emotions—to feel afraid, weak, confused, depressed, or elated. It allows us to laugh and to cry. In much simpler terms, it allows us to let things be.
True strength, then, is learning how to take control of that vulnerability before it completely takes over you. Look back at the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. Shortly after being nailed to the cross Jesus cried out to His Father, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” At that moment Jesus epitomized true vulnerability. He allowed himself to be afraid despite knowing and understanding God’s plan for him. Yet, he did not allow his vulnerability and fear to stand in the way of with what God had planned for him.
So, this Lent, recognize that we all have an opportunity to find strength in our own vulnerability. Remember that it is good to cry, to smile, to laugh, and to be afraid. Yet, let us remember to not allow this vulnerability to take control of all that we want to do with our everyday life as Jesus did while he was on the cross. Let us use the final weeks of this Lenten season to find true strength and to grow closer to both God and to the person whom we strive to be.
Robert C. ‘14
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