Day 9 of 90
Just a quick update on Exodus 90 progress.
So far, Exodus 90 has been going OK. I found the first few days engaging in that I was getting acclimated to everything – the disciplines; the check-ins; the cold showers; etc. Now that I’ve surpassed a full week, I find myself settling in to the routine of it.
I suspect this is about the point I gave up last time I tried Exodus 90. The tedium has set in and much of it becomes repetitive and burdensome.
What is it?
I realize I didn’t actually explain what Exodus 90 is in the last post. For those not familiar, it’s basically a spiritual program designed for men that involves a 90-day period of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. The program aims to help participants grow in their spiritual lives, deepen their relationship with God, and foster authentic brotherhood with others on the same journey.
Exodus 90 includes commitments such as daily prayer, scripture reading, cold showers, fasting from certain luxuries, and regular group meetings with fellow participants for support and accountability. The name “Exodus” refers to the biblical story of the Israelites’ 40-year journey in the wilderness as they escaped from Pharaoh’s rule. Pharoah, in the context of Exodus 90, represents anything that distracts or enslaves us – e.g., smartphone, alcohol, watching T.V., etc.
My understanding is that it was started by a group of Catholics but any one from any denomination can join and likely find some benefit.
Other Thoughts
I have found that I now have more time to read (and post on my blog, which I’ve been neglecting) which is good.
I discovered a book that I wish I would have found years ago, The Three Conversions and the Three Ways of the Spiritual Life, by Garrigou-Lagrange. It’s basically a practical overview of the philosophy that there are three “stages” of spiritual life; the Purgative Way; the Illuminative Way; and the Unitive Way. All of these represent various “benchmarks” on the path of spiritual development.
Elements of each stage can often be seen in the lives of many saints, particularly the autobiographies, although they may not recognize or identify the stages directly.
The book provides a practical overview on how to progress through the stages as well as some thoughts on common pitfalls and what often leads to stagnation. A frequent statement in the book regarding spiritual progress is something to the effect that if you aren’t moving forward on the spiritual path, you’re sliding backwards. There isn’t a place for resting while in the mortal coil, which I’ve found to be true. It was published back in the late 1930s but it absolutely still speaks to us today. A gem of a book.
Some More Other Thoughts
I used to pray the Rosay on my commute to work. On a good day, the drive is about 25 minutes long. If it’s harvest season, deer season, or “let’s take a drive through the countryside” season, it can push into 35 minutes.
Since starting Exodus 90, I’ve set aside time at home at the end of each day to pray the Rosary. I’ve found this to be much more meaningful as there are fewer distractions. I have a small home altar that I sequester myself in front of and spend about 15 minutes completing the Rosary and adding some other prayer time.
Although praying the Rosary in the car (or anywhere) is a good thing, it just promoted absent mindedness for me and I wasn’t really giving it the focus it needed.
Wrap Up
Although it is still early on in Exodus 90, I’m finding that there are already some benefits. I’m also finding out that I don’t have my usual distractions to fill the time which can promote boredom and listlessness.
I feel I’m entering that stage when the shiny newness has worn off and it’s time to gird my loins and press forward which is where the real growth can occur.
Still, if I’m being honest, I think some ice cream would help pave the way.
