My Lenten Lesson in Patience

Productive
Inspiring
Annoying
Never-ending
WE WERE IN LENT?

My usual Lenten intentions never seem to last the whole season. I plan to read a classic book only to abandon it. I make promises to myself and Our Lord that I don’t keep. At the end of Lent, I’m just glad it’s over. This year, I made one commitment and kept it. My husband, son and I led the singing for the Stations of the Cross every Friday at our church. I was able to stay focused.

"My Lenten Lesson in Patience" by Pam Spano (CatholicMom.com)

Copyright 2019 Pam Spano. All rights reserved.[/caption] We implemented “The Way of the Cross” (Imprimatur Most Rev. Michael J. Sheridan, V.G., Archdiocese of St. Louis, written by Thomas Gouin for Creative Communications for the Parish). When we got to The Fourteenth Station (Jesus is Placed in the Tomb) everything around me began to progress in slow motion:

My Lord, your body rested in the tomb while the world waited in painful silence. I have so much trouble waiting. It is so hard for me to be patient, especially in difficult times. Help me to see that waiting for you to act can be a very good thing. You know me so well. You know the thoughts and desires of my heart. Help me to be patient in my waiting, so that you may accomplish you will in my life and I may enjoy the fruits of my patience in the time you have appointed. Give me the grace to wait well, to use my time to make positive contributions to your kingdom with my gifts and talents.

Patience is not a virtue I possess. Jesus knows me so well! While He had my undivided attention at Stations, He put those words out there and slowed the world down so I could acknowledge my impatience and learn. I took a deep breath, asked St. Joseph to intercede for my request of him, then whispered to St. Expedite for assurance.