Search
-
January 14, 2021Years ago, I remember hearing about a football coach who ran off the sidelines to tackle an opposing player as he was returning a kickoff. Western New England College’s Jim Brown had eluded every other Fairfield University player and was on his way to a field-length touchdown run. The Fairfield coach couldn’t handle the frustration, and as Brown ran by him, he just ran out onto the field and tackled him. Sports can do that to someone. The intensity and the passion of the game can at times overwhelm.
I have found myself in a similar situation this past year. So much is happening around us that seems out of our control. The pandemic itself would be enough for that, but many other things have weighed heavily on me – the heated and conflictual election, the tension in society and all the rioting and violence, several friends who have been going through very difficult times in their marriages, people I know who have been very sick (some COVID-related), but other things as well. I don’t think I’m alone in saying that this past year was filled with these kinds of stories.
Most overwhelming to me have been struggling marriages. My wife and I have been walking with several couples who are really in a difficult spot, some of them have already gotten divorced. It has felt like that football game. The other team is beating us, they keep scoring, it seems hopeless to ever come back; and then suddenly someone makes a break away run, eludes every other tackle and is making it all the way down the field for another touchdown. I feel so helpless just standing on the sideline. I want to get in the game and DO something! I can’t take it anymore, and out of sheer frustration just jump on the field and make the tackle!
It’s a fun thing to imagine and helps me cope some days as I try to pray through the unsettled feeling I have deep in my heart. What is going on? What’s happening in the world, and even in the Church? I find myself wondering if some of the people who have stopped going to Mass regularly will come back. Many families I know struggling with all kinds of difficulties. I don’t know about you, but I just want to DO something!
As this new year starts, there are several ways we can “get in the game.” In times like these, our Catholic faith shines. The scriptures are filled with encouragements about the power of prayer, and the unique Catholic emphasis on asceticism can add a powerful forcefulness to that prayer.
This past year, I did Exodus 90, twice. And then did a round of 75 Hard. I suppose it was my way of jumping off the sidelines and tackling someone. I was so frustrated with everything going on around me, and just wanted to contribute in some way for the good. I had many beautiful early morning walks this past fall during 75 Hard, all the while praying for my son and his new wife, and praying for a stable foundation for their marriage. I know those prayers are going to bear much fruit in the years to come.
And, recently, my wife and I have rejoiced over other conversion that has happened somewhat miraculously in our family after years of prayer for them. Prayer is powerful! But prayer combined with sacrifice of some type – fasting, personal suffering, etc. – has a multiplier effect. And, when you get a group of people all doing that together, the multiplication is compounded in manifold ways.
So, how do you want to get in the game at the start of this new year? I would encourage you to check out a program like Exodus 90 (exodus90.com). There’s a version for women called Fiat 90 (holyandhealthycatholic.com/fiat-90). These are 90-day programs of prayer, asceticism and fellowship with other men and women. They all started on Jan. 4 and go through Easter. Don’t worry if you are coming late to the party – I know you will be reading this a couple of weeks after the start date.
This year also the Year of Saint Joseph. If programs like Exodus 90 are too much for you, another devotion you might consider is the new 33-day consecration to Saint Joseph. You could do this the 33 days leading up to March 19 and the Feast of Saint Joseph. There’s more information here – consecrationtostjoseph.org/introduction.html.
The archdiocese also is going to be doing a special campaign with Real Life Catholic during the season of Lent. For the seven weeks leading up to Easter, we will be encouraging Catholics to invite – family, friends, neighbors, etc. – to re-engage with their faith. It will be a simple way that we as a Church can reach out to the many people we know who have stopped participating and engaging with their faith. There even will be tools for how you can do it all online for those who don’t feel comfortable meeting in person yet. We will be doing this campaign with six other dioceses around the country.
Throughout Lent there will be weekly live online sessions with Chris Stefanick and one of the seven bishops, including Archbishop Coakley, talking about the theme of that week. Just another way you can “get in the game!” There will be more info on the campaign coming soon.
If none of these programs resonate for you, you can default to the simple practice of fasting regularly. Wednesdays and Fridays are typical fasting days for the Church. Start simple – Fiat 90 defines fasting like this: “I commit to fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays; this fast will contain one full meal and the other two meals will be only one side dish and contain no meat.”
The point is, do something! We don’t have to be powerless on the sidelines as all these things are happening around us.
In fact, God invites us into the game with him. Let’s jump in and do our part!