As I read today’s Gospel last week, it gave me an idea. Jesus in the desert for 40 days being tempted by Satan, made me think about our middle school CCD students. Here’s what I mean. Being that it is the first week of Lent, I thought I would challenge them for the next 40 days.
 
Of course, we are all familiar with “giving something up” during Lent.  I’m sure we have all attempted something over the years… candy, chips, wine, social media, video games, etc.  Not so hard, right? Giving something up we LOVE, for God!
 
So, this “Lenten Challenge” for our middle schoolers really isn’t anything different, except, in addition to giving something up, they need to ADD something as well.  Add something positive to their routine for the next 6 weeks. 
 
Then they had to answer 3 questions…
 
Why are you giving this up/adding this for Lent this year?

What will be the biggest challenges to living out this commitment?

How will you overcome these challenges?    
 
Ah, sort of like what Jesus went through in the dessert. Temptation, challenges, very similar.   I hope they really give it some thought and pray on it.  Jesus knows our struggles first hand and he will help them to find both faith and courage in whatever they decide. It doesn’t necessarily matter what they choose, but that they have the strength to stick to it, don’t give up even when it seems most difficult.  Actually, this is a good life lesson for all of us.