Sweet Grace

Every morning when I check my email, I am greeted with a daily Bible verse. Today's was this:

The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ~Romans 8:18

I guess God reads my blog :) He sent me encouragement not only through you wonderful blog-friends, but through His Word via email, as well.

God is so good and knows our every need. What blessings are His love and grace!

And I do thank you, my sweet friends, for the prayers and encouragement. You make it easier to walk this journey.

Suffering and Redemption

(Lenten Reflection from the 2010 Magnificat Lenten Companion)

We might call today's reading one of the "great reversals" in the teachings of Jesus Christ: "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it." Others appear in later lenten Gospels, such as when we are reminded that true leaders act as servants. As Christians, we ought to take care to avoid becoming numb to the radical quality of these teachings. Lent helps us not to forget. Our smaller sacrifices help to prepare us for the greater human suffering involved in "living without" and "living for others". Lent reminds us that every human being will suffer, sometimes dramatically. Jesus adds that we need to learn to suffer "for his sake". This might easily require us today to face ridicule on account of sincerely believing or practicing our faith. It will also likely require that we learn to enter into the suffering of others as he did. There is a real glimpse of redemption when we do this. Because of Jesus, when we enter into solidarity with another's suffering, we experience another on of Christianity's great reversals: our suffering reminds us of our fundamentally shared humanity, and of the possibility of joy amidst it all, all because of the love of another person.

Reflection based on Luke 9:22-25
Helen M. Alvare

Father, help me to face my own sufferings with peace,

and to enter into the suffering of others with real love and solidarity.

Today's suggested penance: Offer your day for the intention of another person whose name you keep in mind all day.

Lenten Reflection

This is typically an email I send out every Ash Wednesday because I just love it. I posted it here for the first time last year, and will probably make this a reoccurring thing. It reminds me how to focus on fasting in a broader sense than we normally think about. Lenten sacrifice isn't just about "what" you're giving up but Who you're growing closer to.

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"Unless your holiness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 5:20

HOW TO FAST

Fast from judging others; Feast on Christ dwelling in them.

Fast from apparent darkenss; Feast on the reality of light.

Fast from pessimism; Feast on optimism.

Fast from thoughts of illness; Feast on the healing power of God.

Fast from words that pollute; Feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from anger; Feast on patience.

Fast from worry; Feast on Divine Providence.

Fast from unrelenting pressure; Feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from negatives; Feast on positives.

Fast from complaining; Feast on appreciation.

Fast from hostility; Feast on non-resistance.

Fast from bitterness; Feast on forgiveness.

Fast from anxiety; Feast on hope.

Fast from yourself; Feast on a silent heart.

Lenten Action: Be generous with your compliments today, especially to those who appear to be "down".

Prayer: I enter on this path of repentence so that in dying to self I might rise to new life.

Mardi Gras and My Lenten Journey

A confession: I haven't been a faithful pray-er for quite some time. It's not so easy to be reflective and prayerful when you're sleep-deprived and caring for a baby and have zero alone-time, but I am committed to getting on track again. Spending time with Jesus is too important to just let it go. (It's so easy to get complacent ... or is that just me?) So, for my Lenten sacrifice this year: no fast food, and to pray and read scripture every morning.

So, it's once again Fat Tuesday, and as it should, this day has turned my mind towards Lent and the journey of this next season.

I love Lent. It is a favorite liturgical season of mine, and one filled with such hope as we look toward the glory of Easter. Until Maggie came along, I helped with our RCIA group and let me tell you, even after going through that class about 5 times, I still learn something new every single year. My faith is strengthened. My knowledge is expanded. My love for the Church and community is deepened. It is truly an amazing experience.

One of the absolute best things about being involved with this class is seeing how God works in the lives of the catechumens (now elect) and candidates during this part of their journey. It is amazing. And there is always one person who really touches me.

(Carl ~ if you're reading this, you were the one that year)  :-)

If you've never journeyed with anyone as they come to faith in Jesus Christ, let me tell ya: it will change you as much as it changes them. And seeing the faces of those baptised at the Easter Vigil - it is as close to pure joy as you can find on earth. They are beautiful and breath-taking, and I never fail to cry with happiness. (Thank goodness for waterproof mascara!)

So as our elect begin their time of Purification and Enlightenment in preparation for Easter, let us, too, reflect on that Mystery. Let us renew our faith through prayer and almsgiving. Let us prepare our hearts for the miracle that Easter brings. Let us journey together toward our ultimate gift - everlasting life!