By I’ve been listening to the daily devotional series for Lent on the Hallow app, which is a Catholic app. I’m not Catholic. I was called Sister Mary Frances at my sorority in college (and sometimes in choir rehearsal). With a name like Mary Frances, I totally understand why – it totally flows, especially with an Irish brogue. Through this series I have discovered already some differences between Protestant and Catholic (not just the Pope). I prefer to think of us all as one big happy Christian family, which contradicts the various religious battles of history. I’ll save my Huguenot family saga for another post. Despite being a non-Catholic, I am able to mostly follow along. Mostly.
The devotionals have been focused on the Brothers Karamazov and how they relate to the parable of the prodigal son. Aside from unusual Russian names, the story is much like a soap opera (note – I did not read it, I just heard the synopsis each day). This parable also was brought up during recent sermons and even bible studies that I participate in. I have struggled a bit with the parable…I totally get the older brother’s perspective. He is doing ‘all the right things’ and the brother who was lost and returned is celebrated. What’s up with that? The brother is resentful…which is exactly how I feel for him every time that parable is read. In the Lenten series, they compare Dostoevsky’s older brother Ivan to the older brother in the parable.
Which brings us to this short blog
This resentment is incompatible with Christ’s teachings. Yet it is SOOOO easy and comfortable to judge others and become bitter.
I believe the only way to stop from going down the bitter path is through prayer, practice and acceptance. Pray for guidance from God. Practice gratitude and recognize all the blessings in my life. Accept that my life is mine alone – I mean that I can’t compare myself to other people and their journeys.
So…while I said I didn’t give anything up for Lent, I will try to give up permanently feeling resent and judging others (but please don’t test me too much, this may take a bit of practice).
Here’s a great song that Lauren Daigle performed on one of the devotionals called Salvation Mountain. She sang it with a gospel choir, but I only found that version on instagram.