PRAYER / Lenten Reflection 2005 Sunday, February 13, 2005 First Sunday of Lent

“At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to wrestle with the devil” (italics mine). “The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing,” Marcus Arelius astutely writes. You bet it is! Doing Jesus among the members of our own household or office staff is a daily challenge – a real wrestling with our own self-centeredness. Often we may not feel very welcoming, may not want to take the time to offer the refreshing water of a smile, a listening ear, an affirming word. But Jesus assures us that these selfless acts (done only by His grace), will guarantee divine rewards.

But back to Marcus Aurelius. I am willing to accept the “wrestling” part of his one-liner but I don’t want to deny the “dancing” involved in living the call to total love and service. One of my all-time favorites among commercials comes to mind. It shows the little legs, lace-edged socks and patent leather shoes of a 3 or 4 year old. Her small feet are firmly planted on top of her daddy’s big shiny shoes. She confidently and proudly smiles as she holds tightly to his outstretched hands. The dance steps are unknown to this little one and may be difficult to execute – but not to worry. Her daddy knows them all and will surely and gently guide her.

In my own more honest moments, I admit there are many steps I cannot master in living out my Baptismal commitment. But not to worry (I tell myself), for I am very familiar with dancing on my own Dad’s feet. I like to think those sweet experiences pave the way for a deep trust in the Lord of the Dance.

I will recall and thank the Lord of the Dance for all the lessons taught me so far. I will try to discover the areas in which I am refusing to let my Divine Dance Instructor take the lead.

Contributor: Sister Jane Claire Simon

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