Throughout the season of Lent, we’re featuring the Millennial Lenten Reflection Series co-sponsored by Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good and Franciscan Mission Service. Each small reflection will be written by a young person, focusing on that day’s Mass reading. You can sign up for the series here.

“Leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

I’ve always been my own harshest critic.  My perfectionism has waned as I’ve gotten older and have come to terms with my flaws, but there are still many moments where I internally berate myself for something I think I’ve done wrong.

In today’s Gospel reading, Christ instructs his disciples to reconcile themselves with both God and their earthly brothers.  He tells his friends to take their gifts and bring them to God.

When I go to God’s altar, whether in silent prayer or at Mass, I remind myself that Christ calls me to take every part of myself and bring it to Him.  That includes my talents, but also my faults.  God loves me in spite of my shortcomings, and it can be easy to forget that when living in a culture that values visible achievements over everything else.

I know that when I abandon my pride and accept the gift of humility, I can safely leave both my successes and failures in God’s hands.  Then, with His strength, I can fulfill my call to do His will in this world.  This Lent, I challenge everyone to stop wallowing in their faults, but give them up as a gift to God.

Maeve Gallagher is a current missioner with Franciscan Mission Service serving in Guatemala City, Guatemala at Valley of the Angels Orphanage.  She recently graduated from Christendom College with a B.A. in English Language and Literature and calls Chicago, IL home.