A transformation story from this Great Lent

What a magnificent time of the year, these 7 weeks are. We have a chance to follow Christ, and receive His grace, by focusing on prayer and fasting, and battle our earthly desires. We can follow Jesus in a difficult path, yet one through which our spirit can be strengthened. As our Lord showed His spiritual tenacity during this challenge, by resisting all temptations, so can we draw from His strength and achieve victory in our own battles.

I found myself in the beginning of this year's Great Lent, in a very weak place. I was bedridden with a strong fever, and at the same time, I was feeling intense sadness from events in my personal life. As a result, I lost my energy to strive towards reaching my goals. My situation was weak because I also had to switch up my majority-based meat diet, which resulted in me being even more tired and weak, at that time. The people around me were advising me to take care of recovering my health and vigor first, and then see if I can follow the Fast. All in all, I started the Great Lent on a low and weak position, with a challenging 7 weeks to follow.

However, not for one moment, did I feel like stepping out of the Great Lent's challenge. What are my struggles, compared to what Jesus endured for us? I knew inside me that despite the weaknesses I had, the Holy Spirit would give me strength to withstand the temptations. I knew that, the only real option that I truly had, was to follow my Lord.

Now, almost a month later, I find myself amazed at the transformation I have gone through. I turnt my focus on God and the Church, with prayer, reading of the scripture, attending church, confession and repentence, and abstain from earthly desires. And now more than ever, I feel that my spirit is healed. I feel graceful and peaceful. My relationships with people are full of love. My productivity is at an all time high. I want to take this chance to glorify the Lord and all the good acts He does for us. For He has strengtehened me to escape my weak position and reach a new peak in my physical, my mental, and my spiritual health.

The point I want to reach is that the greatest source of strength we have is Jesus. When we are close to Him, we can overcome any obstacle, be it physical or mental. Even if we feel weak and overpowered, by turning to God and asking for strength, we can prevail against any shortcomings and rise above them. Because, in the end, our spiritual sustenance is more important than our physical needs.

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that precedes from the mouth of God" Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4

God be with you.