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Some years ago, I told my spiritual advisor that I was prepared to undertake any Lenten fasting or penance he suggested. I felt noble as I made my valiant offer, but this wise and holy priest didn't act impressed.
He just looked at me and asked, “Is there anyone in your life that you struggle to love?”
Pow! The question hit home. I immediately pictured a family member whom I was finding it hard to treat in a loving, gentle way. When I told Father, he responded: “Then as part of your Lent, make it your aim to shower this person with kindness and love.”
Here was a call to a different kind of fasting. I was to give up criticalness and pettiness and detach from my selfishness and self-justification; then I could get creative in showing this relative some acts of kindness. It was a call to conversion.
My resolution got put to the test when it fell upon me to give the same person driving lessons. One outing in particular showed me how unloving I…
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