Lyrics of tune set rhythm for big hit this Lent

In the 1944, Harold Arken and Johnny Mercer wrote the music and lyrics to a song entitled: “Ac-cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive.” Bing Crosby recorded the tune and it was a big hit. The key to happiness sings the crooner is contained in the lyrics:  “you’ve got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative and watch out for Mr. In-Between.”  Initially written to console a war-tired nation, the song was embraced with enthusiasm by the Forgotten Generation. Still, it has perennial value for us today.  
Wednesday, begins the holy season of Lent. For 40 some days, we have the opportunity to “repent,” that is, to change whatever is hindering us from becoming more like Jesus. By following the simple dynamic of the song to which I referred earlier, we can use the six-and-a-half weeks of Lent to use our God-given gifts for the good of the Kingdom.  
Maybe we can volunteer to help with a literacy program at our local library, or get involved in providing housing for the homeless through Habitat for Humanity. Maybe we can spend an hour a week visiting residents at one of the assisted living communities. Perhaps we can lend our voice to the choir as they prepare for Holy Week and Easter. Why not consider joining one of our service organizations in the municipality such as scouting, the Rotary, Lions or  American Legion. Finally, we cannot forget “almsgiving,” that is, giving money to one or several bona fide causes which seek to promote harmony, assist the disabled, rehabilitate teenage runaways, offer rehabilitation for those battling addictions or that research a cure to pediatric cancer.
While accentuating the positive, we should try to eliminate the negative. In other words, we should make a concerted effort to diminish or, better, eradicate those things that veil or hinder our Christian state of life – a nasty disposition, foul language, excessive drinking or eating, engaging in gossip, complaining about petty things – focusing too much attention on our self and not enough on others.
“You’ve got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, watch out for Mr. In-Between.”  This last caution, “watching out for Mr. In-Between” means that we have to fight the temptation of embracing mediocrity.
When I was a teacher, I always said that the worst discipline problem I had was “apathy.” This can happen when we fail in our efforts to repent. We begin Lent all “psyched up” and within days we find that our efforts to repent have been stymied by someone or something, maybe by our lack of discipline or a sudden attack of self-pity. Let us not succumb to our frustration and give up the quest for repentance. Nothing would give the devil more pleasure.  Instead, let us pray for perseverance and remember the advice of St. Teresa of Kolkata: “God does not ask for success, just faithfulness.”
So, on Ash Wednesday, as we set sail once again on the sea of repentance,  let us use today to come up with a plan – maybe journal how you, personally, might accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative – which entails a transformation of self, which is implied by repentance.
Whatever we decide, may we ratify what Jesus did for love of us and to commit ourselves to the Kingdom which he continues to build in us and through us for the honor and glory of God.  
Father Comandini is  managing editor of “The Catholic Spirit”