February 12 - Friday after Ash Wednesday

A Heart So Full

Today's Readings

As a Catholic newbie, each of today's perfectly-strung readings highlighted, and maybe helped answer, questions of mine about the Lenten practice of fasting. The obvious question: Why do/should we fast? But there is a question brought up here, to me, that is less obvious: What's the point, if your heart isn't invested in your fast? As many of us most likely are down to the wire on choosing what we are fasting from for Lent, we might ponder what is the easiest thing to abstain from. Okay, I'll let go of Netflix bingeing for Lent. Ah, no, House of Cards is coming soon... Maybe I'll try drinking. Sure. No more beers this Lenten season, Praise God the Superbowl is over... Wait, my friend's party is in March, what if there's alcohol... 

Maybe I am just over-complicating what it means to fast: Perhaps it isn't about what we can do without, but what we could do with more of: Filling up our hearts. But with what? Isaiah has some ideas: sharing with your neighbor or the homeless; those in need. Being more conscious of others' burdens, and doing what you can to help ease the oppressed. Reading and sharing in The Word of the Lord. Being a presence for those who may have no one... What might we fast that we might better have the ability to share with others? What can we do, that we may be seen by the Lord?

What if we are meant to feed our bodies less, and open our hearts to be filled more? Full to the brim, humble and seeking the Lord, eager for His return. Maybe Lent is less about the things we could or should do without, and more about clearing space for the Lord to shine through us. With our hearts so full, surely God's Love will spill over and bless others.

These are just my thoughts, but hey, I'm new here. And happy to be so.

Raina

As a candidate, Raina will be receiving the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil.

February 11 - Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Take Up Your Cross
Today's Readings

Today is the second day of Lent; it is time for us to challenge ourselves into the true meaning of Lent. In the gospel Jesus teaches how arduous the path to follow His teachings is; one must deny himself and take up his cross daily. What do you choose to give up for Lent in order to truly follow Jesus? This might seem discouraging at first, but do not forget that Jesus has promised us that if you follow His commandments you will live in Him, as He lives in you.

Reflection by M.P.

February 10 - Ash Wednesday

A Time for Reflection and Prayer

Today's Readings

In the first reading at Mass today from the Book of the Prophet Joel we hear the prophet calling on the people of God to begin a time of fasting and penitence so that they will return to God. And so it is with us as we begin the season of Lent. We set our focus on a return to God’s grace by recalling the covenant we have with Him and by rededicating ourselves to live in that covenant relationship.

The ashes we receive today in the form of a cross on our foreheads stand as a common denominator for all of us. They symbolize human frailty, spiritual brokenness and the need for repentance and healing. Sin brings death and ashes.

In Catholic churches around the world, Lent begins by the reception of ashes made from the burning of last year’s palms.  The priest makes the sign of the cross with the ashes on the forehead of believers with the words, “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” Ashes remind us of two things: our roots in the soil – (God fashioned Adam out of the dust of the earth) and that physical death comes to all of us, but through the power of the Cross we are reborn!

Lent is a special time for us to prepare spiritually for the great celebration of our redemption, the Feast of Easter. We do this by prayer, fasting, penance, sacrifice and doing good works for others.

Reflection by: Nick O’Hearn

One Word at a Time - Comfort

Lent Is Near - Almsgiving

Almsgiving

Almsgiving seems to be an archaic word. Contemporary, casual conversation likely does not make use of the word. This can make it all the easier for us to brush this pillar of Lent off as the least important, or even one to turn a blind eye toward. Yet in this Year of Mercy, almsgiving takes on even more significance than usual.

Almsgiving asks us what we are offering to those in need. What are we offering those who are in need of the basics of living – food, shelter, safety, education, health care, safety? What are we offering to those who suffer in mind and heart – those with mental illnesses, those who are lonely, those who are grieving? What are we offering not only financially with donations and handouts, but with our time and talent? 

Almsgiving reminds us that we need to live the works of mercy in our daily lives. The works of mercy are more than simply serving the poor or providing a social service. The works of mercy mean we encounter Christ in the other, affirm their humanity, and serve their needs. The works of mercy push us to see God in the individuals and situations that make us uncomfortable. They remind us that we need to respond charitably and with love to the challenges of daily life and the needs of others.

How can you give of your time and gifts this Lent? How can you be more loving and charitable to those in your life?

Lent Is Near - Prayer

Communication

Another pillar of Lent, comes in so many forms. At its root, prayer is a conversation with God. Like any relationship, communication is key. Prayer draws us closer to God and allows the time and space for God to work in our hearts.

During Lent, you are encouraged to pray more than usual. This may mean that you add, for the first time, five minutes of prayer time to your day. Perhaps you might consider adding in one or two weekday Masses. Perhaps it might be attending the Evenings of Reflection on February 18 or March 15. Perhaps it might be lighting a candle and praying for the individuals who will be baptized, receive first Eucharist, and be confirmed at the Easter vigil.

There are countless ways to pray. If you wait to find time to pray, the search is often fruitless. Like anything else, we need to make the time to pray. Set aside a concrete block of time daily that you can spend in prayer. You may find it helpful to have a partner, a friend or significant other, who can help hold you accountable to your prayer time and your other Lenten practices. They can also be a source of support and encouragement.

Lent Is Near!

Drawing Near

Lent is quickly approaching. In fact, we are just a week away. Are you ready?

It seems that Lent often catches us off guard, particularly when it begins as early as it does this year. Have you started to think about how you will embrace the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving? I encourage you to take time in the next week to reflect on the things that pull you further away from God – do you lose hours on end binge watching the latest show online? Do have such a busy schedule that there is no time for prayer or reflection? Do you have a guilty pleasure that you spend too much time with? These sorts of questions that cause us to reflect on where we spend our minutes, hours, and days can quickly lead us to better understand what might be fruitful to give up for Lent. Perhaps it is letting go of our online TV watching or changing our commitments so we have time to enter into prayer and to take care of ourselves. 

Lent is an opportunity to draw closer to God, to encounter his mercy. Where is God calling to you? What might you be able to offer up as a sacrifice to grow in your relationship to God?