Productivity vs. Presence and Prayer

Monica McConkey writes that Holy Week isn’t about cramming in more devotions or sacrifices in preparation for the Passion of Jesus.  

I have often approached Holy Week as the big last chance, the final countdown, the last surge to try and reflect better, pray better, enter into the Passion more perfectly. 

But this Lent, I feel like the Lord has been calling me to dig deeper and more honestly. 

In the past, I’ve tried to do all the things. Heap on the sacrifice. Give up munchies and chocolate and alcohol, add more devotions … the Divine Mercy Chaplet, daily Rosary, the Cloak of St Joseph, line up the garbage bags of clothing to drop off, contribute to all the fundraisers at our church and school.

And these are all wonderful things, but not as a checklist, a report card, a tally to prove I’m holy or to appear holy. Not a list for me to justify to myself that I’ve earned Easter joy.

Jesus is pleased with our efforts, but most importantly, He’s looking for the change in our hearts.

Lent Is Not a Time for Productivity

At the beginning of Lent, I was realizing that I’m a "user" of productivity. I feel good about myself at the end of the day, when I have created good things, I’ve done more than my mom-share of the household chores. I feel pretty good when I can list all the things I accomplished from my day, and I’m satisfied that I made the best use of my time. 

But what is my motivation? I think it ties into an itch I’ve had, all my life. I’m still striving to earn and maintain approval. 

Am I still trying to earn God’s love?

This Lent, I’ve tried to let go more. Be present in the things I do. Listen for what God wants me to do. 

To not be afraid of rest, reading, sitting still, praying and listening. I’ve tried to step back from over-planning. I’m usually trying to anticipate what can go wrong and I’m racing around to do all the things for the best result.

Stepping Back from a Focus on Results

As I approach Holy Week this year, I recognize that  ...

I did nothing. All those little things I did to serve my family. They’re good, but they have nothing to do with my salvation or God’s love for me.

He knows I’m not capable of taking an ounce of His suffering from Him, but His love and His suffering … just a drop of His love and suffering could transform me in a second, if I’m open and receptive. 

Jesus, You love me AND You want to heal me. 

I just need to be open, willing, trusting in the Love I already have.
I need to stop striving to earn what He’s already freely given to me, by His Blood.

This Holy Week, let’s remember, it’s ALL Jesus. 

It’s His suffering and death, freely given for our salvation.
All glory and praise and honor is His.

We are eternally grateful, and there is nothing we can do to earn or deserve His gift.

Ask Jesus One Simple Question

This Holy Week, instead of adding more devotions or heaping on more sacrifice, ask Jesus one simple question each day:

What do You want me to receive today?

Then sit with Him — even for just five minutes — and let Him answer.

Let Him love you.
Let Him show you that His suffering wasn't to make you work harder to earn what He's already freely given YOU.

On Holy Thursday, He’s washing your feet.
On Good Friday, He’s carrying your cross.
On Holy Saturday, He’s holding you in the darkness.
On Easter Sunday, He freely shares His JOY and His Promise that you will rise again too!

Jesus didn't die so that we could stand at the foot of the Cross and admire His sacrifice.

He died so that each one of us could be held, healed, and transformed by His love.

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2026 Monica McConkey
Images: copyright 2026 Monica McConkey, all rights reserved.