We live in both the greatest country in the world, and the most prosperous generation in history. Technology is constantly attempting to make our lives easier, more convenient, and pleasurable. Yet, there is an increasing presence of depression in our society. What is causing this? I believe there has been an increase in idolizing consumption and pleasure in our culture, which conflicts with our ability to worship God. Additionally, this secularism and overindulgence is eroding self-discipline. Together, we can look to scripture and brotherhood to overcome these issues.
Exodus 90 is a ninety-day program for men to grow in holiness and become closer to God. Before I participated last year, I was at home taking online classes. At times I felt alone and lacked the motivation to be consistent. There was a constant internal spiritual battle for me over discipline. By the following spring, I had enough and heard of Exodus. I joined a small group of men to take on this challenge under the guidance of a mentor, and it completely changed the trajectory of my life. We faced similar challenges together and prioritized accountability. I saw distractions and doubts in my life eliminated with brothers at my side. From this experience, I learned how important accountability is to the spiritual life. We can’t go through all spiritual battles alone, which reminded me of community and the body of the Church.
The benefits of Exodus are not only in brotherhood. It takes a lot of personal strength and growth to complete the challenge. Most prominently, the experience taught me to glorify God for all the gifts we receive in life. We tend to take things for granted. Asceticism transforms us mentally and spiritually because we gain the self-discipline to remove ourselves from indulgence. For example, one challenge is to take non-warm showers. Each step into the shower for ninety days is incredibly jarring. The first thirty seconds make you question your commitment. Then, suddenly, it becomes refreshing. Our body has an incredible ability to adapt. Fasting in different ways can help us form new appreciations for the little things in life. Now, each warm shower reminds me to glorify God for the gifts we receive.
In the book of Exodus, the Israelites are delivered from slavery in Egypt and gain freedom. However, freedom is only the start of the battle. They continue to fall into sin, idolatry, and war even after all the miracles they received. Like them, our generation is given the privilege of a free society with so much opportunity. We can draw parallels from the lessons in Exodus and apply it to our own lives. While it may feel convenient or comfortable to return to a previous way of life, we are called to deny ourselves and take up our cross.