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The Season of Lent is coming! Lent is moving close!

“If the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the One who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit dwelling in you.” Romans 8:10

Once upon a time, there was a warrior maiden, beautiful and full of enthusiasm ready to go off and conquer the enemy! She said farewell to her grandfather, the old Indian Chief who was sad. “I am off to conquer the enemy with my sword of Education,” she said. He was very sad but off she went.

Years later she returned, exhausted, older, limping back to her grandfather who was waiting…very sad. “You have come home?” he said. “No, she replied, I just need to recuperate, then I am surely going back to fight the enemy.”

After renewing herself for many months, she donned her warrior armor and was ready to leave again and conquer the enemy. She told her grandfather, the old Chief, that she definitely would win by using her new sword called the Law. Off she went. The old chief was sad as he watched her leave. He always let her go, but shook his head sadly.

Years later she returned, a middle aged woman now, beaten up badly, one leg broken, exhausted in mind and heart. The old Chief was sadder than ever. “Grandfather,” she cried, “I am not finished conquering the enemy yet.” “After I rest and refresh myself I will subdue the enemy.” She stayed many months recuperating and planning her next attack. She was older and wiser now. She would surely beat the enemy.

Off she went again, vigorous and determined. The old chief sadly let her leave again. “I am taking my sword called Teaching. I will fight the enemy for years to come,” She cried. Off she traveled again. Again, the old Indian Chief was saddened, more so than ever before.

Years later, she was an old woman now, the warrior maiden returned. She was in bad condition and could hardly walk. Her grandfather, the Indian Chief who was very, very old embraced her and wept bitter tears. “Grandfather, why are you crying,” she asked. He replied through his tears, “because you have been fighting all your life and have never discovered, nor met the enemy.”

Reflection

What truth is here? What irritates you in the story? Have you met the enemy?
Perhaps Lent is a time to uncover the real enemy inside, in the deep caverns of our essence, and to work through our fear of our own inner work. Only then will we be compassion.

Sister Mary Joan Grisez