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| Lent Challenges |
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Well, here we are on day five of our lenten journey. So far so good. The food part is not a tough one. We're used to it at this point, but for me there are a couple other challenges that I'm working on. Along with our traditional lenten diet I face an even bigger obstacle: "Being Moderate"
Let me explain. It's so easy during this period to think, "I'm not eating this, that or the other....but I CAN have this.." and then go overboard on what I can have thus defeating the purpose of lent. right? So i'm working on this. My strategy: 1. Pray lots 2. during mealtime at home, fill my plate in the kitchen and leave the extra there. No seconds. If I go out to lunch, I'm trying to order less....or eat half and take the rest with me. There's always a homeless person here in downtown l.a. that could use some lunch. But I'm not perfect...so it doesn't always work...but I'm working on it.
Second challenge: Don't gossip. Now, I don't consider myself to be a gossipy sort of person...but just by being the passive part of it, we're guilty. So I'm trying to stop the conversation before it begins. Also not easy. :::sigh::: You don't want your friend to think you're not interested in what they're saying...but on the other hand, you know where it's going to lead. And then a conversation is a give and take, right? So you're expected to comment on what was said...and there you have it! You're gossiping.
I want to share something with all of you because I think of this so often. Last year we had left church and were standing outside. I was talking to Ludwig and the conversation turned to something/someone (I can't remember). I remembering saying to Ludwig something like, "I shouldn't say this but...." and before another word came out of my mouth Ludwig said, "Then don't." WOW!!! I stopped and thought about it. Here I was, having just worshipped, having just taken communion! Publicly, blogly....I'd like to thank Ludwig for doing that. Since then I think of that often. It's not easy, but I'm working on it.
I've been listening to this podcast in the mornings. It's a really nice morning meditation and what's nice is that you can download the entire week at a time. It's called Pray as You Go. If you're interested, here's the link: http://www.pray-as-you-go.org/ it's a British Jesuit podcast complete with Bible passage, reflection, music. Very nice.
Well, I'd better get to work. Have a very blessed day!! Enjoy the Journey! |
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| To add a comment to "Lent Challenges" |
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| February 08, 2008 |
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| Well, I view gossip as being something said behind someone's back...or being party to it. So in other words, think about what is being said, or what you're saying. Would you be saying it to that person if they were in front of you? If not, then don't say it. It's a tough one! |
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| February 08, 2008 |
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Thats the spirit! No doubt, that you will hit some ups and downs and maybe even some hard curves, but your faith will keep you on track.
Jeff |
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| February 08, 2008 |
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Thanks Anush for this blog. Its important to put the Lenten journey into perspective. Its not the laws and rules that are important as much as the spirit in which they were intended. And certainly your example of gossip is one of the biggest problems that plagues us all. That's why I love Khirimian Hayrig's common sense approach: "միս կերէք՝ իրարու միս մի ուտէք" ("Eat meat, but don't eat each other's meat", i.e., don't annoy and hurt one another with idle chatter.)
Jesus says, "Not that which entereth into the mouth defileth the man; but that which proceedeth out of the mouth, this defileth the man." (Matthew 15:11)
Here are some scriptural references to gossip that should help with the discussion:
Proverbs 11:13
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.
Proverbs 16:28
A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.
Proverbs 18:8
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.
Proverbs 20:19
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.
Proverbs 26:20
Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.
Proverbs 26:22
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.
I would suggest reading these in the context of their chapters, but its a good start for this discussion. I think we all have a problem with gossip and probably the reason some orders were created merely to take a vow of silence - in that silence you cannot gossip. Of course, Jesus takes it one step further - pushes the point over the edge - and says that the thoughts that we have are akin and equal to the acts. See chapter 5 of St. Matthew's gospel. The apostles also give instruction on gossip and divisive conversation. Check out: Romans 1:29 2 Corinthians 12:20 1 Timothy 5:13 3 John 1:10Thanks again for bringing up this issue - its probably the single most important step we can take towards cleaning up our act during the Lenten journey. |
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| February 08, 2008 |
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| no, not at all. it's not wrong to have an opinion and express it. you can absolutely say it and talk it when you think that someone is doing something wrong. but fine line is that you want to make sure that what you're saying is something you'd be able to say to that person's face. like, in your comment about the deb ball. you said you called the diocese and spoke to them. perfect! it's not that you spun a story without taking the action....you see? so it's okay to speak your mind. Capeesh?? : ) |
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| February 08, 2008 |
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Good explanation!
Public vs. Private is the criteria. If you hit the "private" button when blogging, you're gossipping. The public button means you've engaged in a dialogue not a monologue. |
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| February 08, 2008 |
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That's a really good point, Linda. Your aunt and uncle's case (and I'm sure there are many cases like that all over the world) are based on self-preservation. But what I'm talking about is in our day to day...meaning OUR day to day here in the U.S.
Example, we all know some pretty quirky people in our community (present company included, thank you!), right? Well, what would be gossip would be to talk about them in a destructive manner with someone else...pointing out flaws, etc. behind their back in a hurtful manner. And then, when that person approaches your circle you say, "oh hi! how are you?" and act like everything is fine.
Or, like, when your friend call you and says, "Okay, do you have any scoop for me???" just looking for a little bit of info on someone that they can just spread. I get into trouble when I get asked "So what's new?" I get into trouble with I don't carefully weigh what I'm saying to whomever I'm saying it. Example...I may have a friend that's having a tough time in a relationship. It's one thing to talk to another and say, "I'm worried about her. She's having a tough time right now." (and only say that much if it's okay with my friend that i divulged that)...that's different than calling up another friend and saying, "Keedes! Panmuh lusetzee....Toozian-neruh Divorce beedee ullan!". (Did you know! I heard something...the Figson's are getting a divorce! : )
See what I'm saying?
DerHayrs example though, to me at least, about blogging privately -- I don't think that my private blogs are about being afraid to tell the person (the church heirarchy) what I think. It's more about preservation....it's like airing dirty laundry to others. it's somewhat of an embarassment sometimes.
But I'm Capeesh'ing too! :) |
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| February 08, 2008 |
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Anush, thank you for opening this discussion. It's such a blessing to have this community where we can share our struggles and thereby strengthen each other on this Lenten journey. Fasting involves much more than a dietary restriction. I think St. John Chrysostom's words are fitting here. He said: Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works.
If you see a poor man, take pity on him.
If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him.
Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies.
Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice.
Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin.
Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful.
Let the ear fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip.
Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.
For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers?
May HE who came to the world to save sinners strengthen us to complete the fast with humility, have mercy on us and save us. May the grace of God be with you in everything you do. |
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| February 08, 2008 |
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| Wow....very powerful. I'm going to have to copy that one down and reflect!! Thanks Suzie! |
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| February 09, 2008 |
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Just as though we're swimming in a river, we would still feel the river's currents pulling on us if we stood still, Lent forces us to pause while the world around us continues.
The difficult part for the individual is to overcome his personal struggles -- what he or she sets aside for Lent. It isn't something that happens overnight.
It's good to talk about Lent in a practical sense.
In my opinion, gossip has its sources or roots. Sometimes, it can be a simple exchange of information. But, these exchanges can also escalate into what Linda calls "Harmful Gossip."
What Suzie says about St. John: that the blame is also on the listener, while calling the gossip "unjust criticism," is a good description. It's true that the listener is partly to blame, because the person who is gossipping needs people to share his stories.
I didn't like the description "pretty quirky." But, I appreciate that it's straightforward. |
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| February 09, 2008 |
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my "pretty quirky" comment was not meant in a bad way. a quirk is a peculiarity. a twist, a turn in mannerisms (appropriate for this rollercoaster ride of lent!) i have many peculiarities...as do all of us. that's what makes it all so unique. |
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| February 22, 2008 |
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"I shouldn't say this but...." and before another word came out of my mouth Ludwig said, "Then don't." If we love someone (love is the commandment of our saviour- Love God, Love your brother/sister, Love your neighour and Love Your ENEMY) will we do what we do? This my friend, is the punch line here. Thanks for your timely reminder during lent. God bless us all. |
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| February 22, 2008 |
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| I don't practice Lent, but I think this is timely for all times! Thanks pretty pic ppl! lol~ |
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| February 22, 2008 |
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| You are so right Cheryl |
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