Lenten Reflection for March 15th

Reflecting on the Fruit of the Spirit of ‘self-control’ has been rather challenging as, just like with the terms ‘gentleness’ or ‘meekness’, the term self-control in modern language and times seems to only bring up examples of resisting temptations such as eating sweets, over-eating, procrastination or laziness. 

It is again when we look to Christ as an example for us that we can see how self-control goes deeper and is more meaningful than our personal goals, milestones and visions for our future.

We read how in the garden of Gethsemane Jesus was “grieved and agitated” (Matthew 26:37) about what was going to happen shortly when he would be crucified. He prayed to God, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” (Matthew 26:39) 

When the chief priests and the elders came to arrest Jesus, one of his disciples reacted violently, striking the servant of the high priest with his sword. But Jesus told him to put away his sword saying, “Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?  But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?” (Matthew 26:53-54) 

Jesus could have also reacted in a very human way, lashing out or turning away from what the Lord’s plan and will was for him but he chose to have Courage and Self-Control. Without the self-control of Jesus, we would be facing death as punishment for our sins.

Through his example we can see that Self-Control is also a way to show Christ’s Love, it is about willing the best for others and acting in the way He has shown us.Let’s continue to be mindful of where and when we can grow in this Spiritual Fruit. 

For our younger brothers and sisters in Christ:

Sometimes we might think of self-control as resisting temptation, whether for something that we know isn’t the best for us, or knowing that if we wait, it will make what we’re waiting for even better.  This might be like knowing we won’t enjoy our supper as much if we choose to eat sweets before the meal. Or it might look like not getting overly upset if we lose a game, we can choose to be a good sport about playing a game, whether we win or lose.

There is a kind of self-control that goes deeper than those personal goals or temptations I just mentioned though. It’s a self-control that can also show love and care for one another. 

Jesus teaches us about this kind of self-control when he was waiting to be arrested by the chief priests and elders to be brought to where he would die. In the Bible we read he was “very sad and troubled.” (Matthew 26:37 ICB) about what was to happen to him. 

Jesus could have changed his mind and saved himself, he told his disciples, “Surely you know I could ask my Father, and he would give me more than 12 armies of angels. But this thing must happen this way so that it will be as the Scriptures say.” (Matthew 26:53-54 ICB) Without the self-control of Jesus, we would still be facing punishment for our sins and through his example we can see that Self-Control is also a way to show God’s Love, it is about willing the best for others and acting in the way He has shown us.

God bless you!