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I have written about spending time in prayer especially with sacred scripture (Both Lectio Divina and The Ignatian Method) in front of the Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration Chapel. So, now, it is time to leave the adoration chapel and our focused prayer time to continue to be good stewards of all that God has given us in our lives and in the prayer experience we just encountered with our Lord. Sometimes when our time in adoration comes to an end, we resonate with Peter’s words at the Transfiguration: “Lord it is good we are here, let us build three tents and stay.” But, Jesus answers us the same way He answers Peter, “It is time to continue.”

We are filled up; we’ve had our prayer moment and now we follow, we do not lead Jesus into the life He is calling us to live. Being a good steward, not only during Lent, but all year, starts in the home. For married couples, it starts with being a good steward to your spouse. Always, the question before a spouse that takes them both to before original sin is, “How can I live more for you, assisting you to be the best version of yourself?” And, at the same time, enough trust in the relationship to know, believe and understand that is the same question your spouse is asking him/herself! After prayer, how do I spend my time with my spouse? How do I use my talents for my spouse? Then, together, how do we as husband and wife acting as Mom and Dad give the best of our time, talent and treasure so our children can grow in holiness as a disciple of Jesus Christ? The last part of the sentence is important… not just how do we spend the best of our time, talent, and treasure on our children but for the purpose of helping them grow in holiness as a disciple of Jesus Christ? The smallest part of every parish church is the domestic church, the family! As I leave the adoration chapel or any time in prayer, the question is, “Lord, how can I be the best spouse and best parent you are calling me to be? Let the Lord answer that, then trust in your prayer and act out of that prayer.

If you are single, then as you leave, how do you be the best to the other? This question is also for every married person as well. The domestic church (family) is called to reach out to the other. And, the church even specifies which “other” should be our first priority. The “other” is the least amongst us; the most in need. We can live very comfortable lives if we only hang out and associate with those whose physical, spiritual and mental needs are met. The Lord is always calling us outside of our comfort zone – because when we are uncomfortable we are more likely to let him lead us. However, trusting him enough to go outside our comfort zone can be challenging. And, so, often (myself included) we neglect, ignore or simply don’t think about others in our midst who are in need and if we do think about them we don’t do tangible things to assist. So, as we leave our time of prayer, “who is Jesus calling you to reach out to?” And how? Or, what can I do and who needs it: Who needs, not just a text, but a surprise phone call without an agenda but just to say “hi; how are you; I’ve been thinking about you.” And, as you are able, share why you have been thinking of them. Who needs a drop in visit? Who needs a sweet or salty snack? Who needs a compliment or needs to hear “thank you!” Who needs a nice comment on their social media post?

Who needs a favor done before a favor is asked? We think about the trend where people were paying for the person behind them at the drive-through or the stranger (to us) who picked up our tab at the restaurant. How is the Lord calling you to reach out to the other with time and talent and when called upon to do so, with treasure. As we enter Lent, let us remember we want to improve our relationship with our Savior of the World who frees us from sin and death; so, we spend more time in prayer. Then, in gratitude, for all He has given us, we act as good stewards toward his favorite creatures, our fellow human beings, and use the best of ourselves to help others become the best of themselves. How are we being called to be a better steward the second half of Lent this year?