Internalizing

I had plenty of time to both internalize (and externalize) this past Monday during the required fasting, consumption of the prescribed cleansing mixture, and visits to the bathroom in preparation for my Tuesday colonoscopy.

We tolerate recommended medical procedures like annual physicals, semi-annual dental checkups, eye exams, to ensure our bodies are in good working order. There are times when we are advised to seek specialized health care, a deeper dive into our internal workings like my recent endoscopy and colonoscopy. My results were thankfully good but also yielded strong advice on making changes to promote better internal (gut) health. 

We are now celebrating Ordinary Time in our Church. This may sound like a boring or at least not extremely exciting liturgical season. That is far from reality. Despite the chilly weather, we are adopting a fresh and green attitude, focusing on continued spiritual growth, making some changes for the better. We are preparing ourselves for a deeper spiritual dive during Lent, which is just around the corner.

Both our current Ordinary Time and the Lenten season encourage internalizing: a practice of absorbing and making something new. Perhaps we need to reincorporate the Ten Commandments, reassimilate one or more of the Church’s teachings, reembrace the Beatitudes, take Christ to heart in new ways? How can I listen with fresh ears? Give with a more generous heart and hands? Walk with more purpose and do his will with fresh energy and enthusiasm?

Without a doubt, this is a very personal process of internal scoping! Internalizing can be scary, requiring changes in our lifestyle. We may shy away from spiritual internalization due to fears about how His grace may require us to change. Take courage during this Ordinary Time in your life! Be open to the Holy Spirit working in you in new ways.

Socrates is credited with the following observation, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” A harsh-sounding statement, but my understanding is that the philosopher was making a point about the importance of self-awareness and questioning one’s beliefs, actions, and purpose in life. The practice of our faith calls us to this internalization as well. Could we honor this Ordinary Time by committing to more frequent daily Examinations of Conscience? 

I will go on record as being thankful that procedures like a colonoscopy are not a frequent requirement. Just as I feel blessed with good physical health, I am equally grateful for the routine of quiet spiritual growth. May we make time and practice it.

Never lose sight of your smallness and His greatness. Think about it often throughout the day.