A Perfect Lent?

I've never had a perfect Lent. I guess a less than perfect Lent provides lessons in humility I must need.

As an Oblate to Prince of Peace Abbey in Oceanside, I set out my Lenten agenda each year - my bona opera - with the best of intentions. Ultimately I have to ask forgiveness for my missteps, although I do not plan to have them. I keep praying for a perfect Lent.

My bona opera this year includes the following:

1. Working through "The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius" - since the "Exercises" last only 4 weeks, I will read Sacred Reading: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina by Michael Casey.
2. Leading one of the "Christ In Our Neighborhood" weekly sessions for the 6 weeks of Lent.
3. Writing poetry based on my Lenten experiences this year. I'm trying to involve people in my parish to participate so I can put together an Anthology, but people are kind of hesitant about writing poetry. 

The only alms I can give this year will have to be donations of useful items, or I will serve in other ways at my parish. (I was laid off from my job last August so I don't have money to give,)

• What are your plans for Lent? 
• Do you look forward to this holy season? 
• Would you be willing to write a poem about your Lenten or Easter experiences and post it here?