it’s not a competition…

… Lent is not a competition in piety.

It is important to note that one must try to avoid the temptation of attempting a Lenten Triathlon. Promising to deny yourself in extremes or adding the spiritual routine of the most prayerful monk is only setting yourself up for two things; failure and pride.

I used to fall into this trap… Oh, it’s Lent. Look at me all pious and junk. I am giving up alcohol, meat and desserts. In fact my only sustenance shall be saw dust choked down with my spit. Oooo. And I am going to read the entire New Testament, pray the Divine Office, go to mass daily, adoration every Wednesday, the Stations of the Cross every Friday and pray the rosary every morning at dawn.

Two days into Lent I was ready to give up which was immediately followed by discouragement at my lack of follow through. By mid Lent I had given up entirely.

Failure and pride.

“Don’t give in to discouragement. If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride because it shows you trust in your own powers.”, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta.