Lenten Conjugal Spirituality Challenges

by: Peter Martin, Founder

In Chapter 49 of St. Benedict’s Rule, he says “the life of a monk ought to be a continuous Lent.” If you’re like me, you cringe at the idea because, let’s face it, we “give up” the things we enjoy… to think we can never enjoy those things again is too much! St. Benedict, however, follows up his first statement with this: “Since few, however, have the strength for this, we urge the entire community during these days of Lent to keep its manner of life most pure…”

Recently someone asked me: “what’s the best way to go about our Lenten practices as a married couple?” Firstly: make sure your spouse is aware of what practices you are undertaking. We should do this for two reasons: so that our spouse is able to assist in our Lenten practices by encouraging us and not leading us into temptation and so that there can be a built-in accountability. What about practices we do together? Well, hopefully that comes naturally! If one spouse says: “hey, you know what? I spend too much time on social media, so I’m fasting from that this Lent.” Hopefully the other would say, “that’s a good idea, let me join you… and let’s do something together when we would normally scroll. Should we read in the evening instead?” 

The reality is, God gave us a helpmate. Let us recognize the gift that God gave us and, in our own community, keep these days of Lent most pure!