Lenten endeavours

During this years Lent, the CrossFit Games Open is concurrently in action. What does this mean for me? To combine the two. Might as well. Both involve a level of accepted, inevitable suffering (penance/sacrifice?). They both start with "C". Both are universally practiced; exceeding the boundaries of culture, race, and time. Both have made a change in my life.

I will offer up each week's competition WOD for various reasons, and update this post as the Games and Lent progresses.

For all WODs, I will inscribe +JMJ+ in front of me to remind me of why I am here and why I am an able body. All WODs will also be offered up for the poor souls in purgatory, especially those in most need of the Lord's mercy. In addition, other intentions shall also be named.

+ WOD 1: For those who have been hurt in relationships and have felt as if they cannot have hope in what else God has in store for them and their vocation; that they may be granted extra patience and maintain their faith in God.

+ WOD 2: For the unborn children who are not respected as human beings; for the mothers who are uncertain about fulfilling their pregnancy, that they may choose Life; for the fathers who are ignorant of the children they helped to bring into existence, that they may be filled with wisdom to shoulder their God-given responsibilities and duties; for the parent-less children, that their lives may be filled with Love; for the children who have lost their childhood, that they may possess a child-like hope in God who is always their Father; for Mother Mary, who unceasingly is our exemplar of how to be a real Woman, that she may say an extra prayer for those women who need a role model right now; and for the sake of true womanhood, that this world will emerge from the darkness that blinds the present day and allow us to raise our future to be wiser and holier.

+ WOD 3: For an increase of wisdom in my generation; that moral values are valued more and the Truth is sought more fervently.

+ WOD 4: For the pursuit of one's true vocation in life; that the path will be clearer from the earnest yearning for knowledge, wisdom, peace, and Truth; that the Lord's will be done always, no matter how frequent one falls off the straight and narrow path; and if one does, one shall never give up on the Lord. St. Patrick, please pray for us.

+ WOD 5: Here it is. Last one. But there's about 4 more weeks left of Lent. Nevertheless, the "fight" goes on. For Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Courage.

• Prudence - able to judge between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time
• Justice - proper moderation between self-interest and the rights and needs of others
• Restraint or Temperance - practicing self-control, abstention, and moderation
• Courage or Fortitude - forbearance, endurance, and ability to confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation

And lastly, for Purity of Heart.

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In CrossFit terms:
Prudence of judging my rest, when to work through the pain, and when to back off before injury can occur. Justice of moderating my self-frustration and remembering why I'm offering up my WODs during Lent. Temperance in controlling my anxiety, knowing I always get nervous, but keeping a "cool" demeanor, as well as not giving in to rest when I am able to continue. Fortitude in pushing through the pain when that moment comes, because they always do, and never giving up on proper technique.