• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Catholic Review

Catholic Review

Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Menu
  • Home
  • News
        • Local News
        • World News
        • Vatican News
        • Obituaries
        • Featured Video
        • En Español
        • Sports News
        • Official Clergy Assignments
        • Schools News
  • Commentary
        • Contributors
          • Question Corner
          • George Weigel
          • Elizabeth Scalia
          • Michael R. Heinlein
          • Effie Caldarola
          • Guest Commentary
        • CR Columnists
          • Archbishop William E. Lori
          • Rita Buettner
          • Christopher Gunty
          • George Matysek Jr.
          • Mark Viviano
          • Father Joseph Breighner
          • Father Collin Poston
          • Robyn Barberry
          • Hanael Bianchi
          • Amen Columns
  • Entertainment
        • Events
        • Movie & Television Reviews
        • Arts & Culture
        • Books
        • Recipes
  • About Us
        • Contact Us
        • Our History
        • Meet Our Staff
        • Photos to own
        • Books/CDs/Prayer Cards
        • CR Media platforms
        • Electronic Edition
  • Advertising
  • Shop
        • Purchase Photos
        • Books/CDs/Prayer Cards
        • Magazine Subscriptions
        • Archdiocesan Directory
  • CR Radio
        • CR Radio
        • Protagonistas de Fe
  • News Tips
  • Subscribe

God dwells in me: Making health my Lenten promise

February 25, 2020
By Robyn Barberry
Filed Under: Blog, Unconditional

During last week’s homily on the Sermon on the Mount, Father Willie Franken, pastor of St. Joan of Arc in Aberdeen, asked the congregation to consider the things we say “yes” to and the things we say “no” to and how they bring us closer to or further from God. I’ve spent the better part of the week thinking of all the ways I answer (or ignore) God’s requests and demands. With the help of today’s readings, I was able to make a connection between some of the things I say “yes” and “no” to the most and how I can center my Lenten journey around them.In 1 Corinthians 3:16-23, Paul tells us, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that temple, for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.”

This reading made me realize that one area in my life I could improve upon is my health. We generally think of giving up chocolate or that daily glass of wine during Lent as an act of self-deprivation or even vanity. But it’s not vain to be healthy. Perhaps we can go beyond turning down treats and consider centering our Lenten promises on honoring God properly maintaining the earthly vessel he has provided for us to do his work.

One in four American deaths are caused by heart disease (American Heart Association). 90% of all lung cancer cases are caused by tobacco use (American Cancer Society). $9,601 is the average cost of medical expenses directly related to treating Type 2 diabetes (American Diabetes Association). So many people live in suffering or have their lives are cut short by these diseases that can be prevented by proper diet, exercise, and making other healthy choices. Think of how much time and money spent on managing a serious, but preventable, illness could be better spent doing God’s work.  

Sitting in church, I thought about the times I’ve said “yes” to a pint of Ben and Jerry’s and “no” to a bowl of strawberries. Or the times I’ve said “yes” to binge watching nature documentaries and “no” to a two mile walk on my picturesque little country road. I recognized that I am probably in the worst physical condition of my life and that I am doing both God and me a disservice. 

I don’t want to be a statistic. It’s hard to do God’s work from a hospital bed and even harder from the grave. My 2020 Lenten journey will be one of spirit and of body. I encourage you to join me.

Here are some suggestions for things to say “yes” and “no” to on your Lenten journey toward a healthier life:

Say YES to:

  • Exercise — Take advantage of the spring weather headed our way with an outdoor walk.
  • A refillable water bottle — Take it everywhere you go. (Bonus points for one that has hourly markings to keep you on track. I ordered my hourly stickers on ETSY.)
  • Add one fruit and one vegetable to each meal — I find high-quality and affordable produce at ALDI and will soon at my local farm stand, Brad’s. Frozen is good, too!
  • Accountability — Consider using apps like MyFitnessPal and Noom or a reliable friend to help you track your diet and exercise.

Say NO to:

  • Sweets — Many people already do this for Lent, but make your motivation be health.
  • That daily glass of wine — Try herbal tea to wind down.
  • Frequent fast food and convenience store visits — Always keep healthy snacks on hand.
  • Binge watching — Limit yourself to one episode a day (like the olden days) or READ!

Those are just a few ideas to get you started, but ultimately your Lenten journey is for you. Consider it a time when you can work on improving a part of yourself that makes you unhappy, rather than making yourself unhappy by denying yourself.

Matthew 5:38-48 tells us, “Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go for two miles.” If you see me on my little country road, wave and know that I’m doing exactly that. When my muscles ache and my stomach rumbles, I will remember that Jesus put his body through much more for me. And on Easter Sunday, I will find my entire self rejuvenated and ready to serve my Lord with my newfound energy, enthusiasm and optimism.

 

Print Print

Primary Sidebar

Robyn Barberry

View all posts from this author

| Recent Commentary |

Thank you to a one-of-a-kind teacher

Jesus doesn’t leave us alone in the night

A homemade pie that is ready to bake sits on a kitchen counter next to a rolling pie

A Key Ingredient

Practice the ‘BeDADitudes’

Comfort my people: Unexpected surprises in life

| Recent Local News |

Prodigal son to priest

Radio Interview: Books and Authors: Inspiring Trailblazers

Future priest from Congo has a heart of service

Sister Joan Minella, former principal and pastoral life director, dies

Archbishop Lori offers encouragement to charitable agencies affected by federal cuts

| Catholic Review Radio |

CatholicReview · Catholic Review Radio

Footer

Our Vision

Real Life. Real Faith. 

Catholic Review Media communicates the Gospel and its impact on people’s lives in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and beyond.

Our Mission

Catholic Review Media provides intergenerational communications that inform, teach, inspire and engage Catholics and all of good will in the mission of Christ through diverse forms of media.

Contact

Catholic Review
320 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
443-524-3150
mail@CatholicReview.org

 

Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent

  • As ‘new nightmare’ unfolds between Israel and Iran, ‘never-ending tragedy’ in Gaza continues
  • Thank you to a one-of-a-kind teacher
  • Pope asks Italian bishops to proclaim the Gospel, teach peace
  • Pope Leo XIV will escape Rome’s heat in July by going to papal villa
  • Almost half of U.S. adults have Catholic connection, but Mass makes significant difference in Catholic identity
  • Prodigal son to priest
  • U.S. bishop calls for ardent prayer, diplomacy as Israel-Iran strikes continue
  • Suspect arrested for murdering Minnesota lawmaker, husband
  • Iconic Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Paris celebrates its 150th birthday

Search

Membership

Catholic Media Assocation

Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association

The Associated Church Press

© 2025 CATHOLIC REVIEW MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED