Lent 2018: Reflections from Current and Former Volunteers 2018 Lenten Reflection Guide | Page 4

W hen I read this proclamation from Christ himself I am
struck by the sense of urgency in his words. Jesus does not call us to
repent and believe tomorrow, a month from now, or whenever we feel
ready; “This is the time,” he tells us. For me, following Christ’s call has
often felt so daunting that I have found myself pushing it off for later.
Because “belief in the gospel” is no small undertaking. It does not
merely encompass accepting Christ’s teachings, but rather following
his example of radical love and self-sacrifice – even following him into
the desert.
The beautiful part of this, which I often forget, is that repenting and
following Christ’s example of love and selflessness is a perpetual
journey. When I followed Christ’s call away from my loved ones and
my comfortable life to live and work on the margins in Ecuador with
Rostro de Cristo, I realized that my initial “yes” was only the beginning
of becoming more open to God’s presence and plan for me in each day.
After coming out of “the desert,” and returning home from this intense
experience of service, I have not always retained this mindfulness.
Sometimes I have fallen into the trap of believing that I can’t love and
serve as deeply as I did there. This thinking prevents me from being
alive to God’s call in the here and now. The truth is that we are called
away from sin and towards love in big and small ways every day.
Whether that call is to follow him into the desert or share a smile with
a stranger, today is always the right time to listen closely and to say
“yes.”
Focus on:
Simplicity
When I think about simplifying my life, the first thing that usually comes to mind is
stuff - cutting out superfluous material things from my life, curtailing spending on
things I don’t need, using less resources such as water, electricity, etc. All of this is
essential to simplicity, but we can also eliminate waste in another area: our time.
Challenge yourself this Lent to simplify your schedule and cut out activities that
prevent you from practicing mindfulness, staying in the moment, and taking quiet
time for prayer. We don’t necessarily have to abandon society for the desert in order
to find peace and quiet, but in order to hear God, we should cut out some of the noise
in our lives. Consider reducing time spent mindlessly using technology (scrolling
through social media or watching TV), turning off the radio, and trying to really leave
your work at work in order to spend more time being fully present to God and to
those around us.
Service Suggestion
Where have you been feeling God’s call to service recently? Perhaps you’ve wanted to
start volunteering with a certain nonprofit or you’ve been meaning to visit someone that
could use support right now. Don’t put it off any longer. This week, find a way to simplify
your schedule, listen to Christ, and make time to follow that call.
About the Author: Amy Krach, Rostro de Cristo alum
Amy Krach has a heart for service which led her to spend a year volunteering in
Ecuador with Rostro de Cristo after graduating from Indiana University. She now
spends her days working for a faith-based health organization in her hometown in
Indiana, hanging out with moms (including her own) and dogs, and applying to grad
school. She loves meeting new people, traveling, being outdoors, and sharing her
faith through service.
Mark 1:12-15
“This is the time of
fulfillment. The kingdom
of God is at hand. Repent,
and believe in the gospel.”
~ prayer ~
Loving Creator,
In this noisy world, help me to
quiet my heart
To better listen to your call to
repentance, faith, and love
In every moment.
Although I do not know where
your call will lead,
Give me the courage to
perpetually trust and to follow,
Even when I may lose my way
Knowing that in self-gift,
service, and sacrifice
Your infinite love awaits me.
Amen.