Well, we’ve made it through the first 4 days! Has our fasting been a challenge? If not, maybe we need to turn up the heat a little more. Is the Lord in our every thought and action? Probably not . . . But we can bring him closer with some simple reminders just a few times a day: a rosary in our pocket, a rock in our shoe (I always thought that was kind of extreme), an alarm on our watch or cell phone a few times during the day, a crucifix in front of our sink where we do dishes, or the Name of Jesus on our bathroom mirror in red lipstick. Or how about a Lenten crossword puzzle for those spare moments.
Another really good one, at least once a week, is our Stations of the Cross.
These are prayed at most Catholic Churches on Friday evenings all through Lent.
Here’s a link to an on-line version of the Stations (in two parts) that’s pretty good too .
… just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so, through one righteous act, acquittal and life came to all. Rom 5:12-19 or 5:12, 17-19
This First (official) week of Lent we hear in Sunday’s Scripture readings of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Just as Eve and Adam were tempted, but failed, Jesus was tempted yet conquered! We too, in our fasting, if we’re sincere about it, will be tempted. Hunger sometimes brings out the worst in us. Let it go, let it out (in the privacy of our prayer time and in the kindness of not dumping it on others!). Drain away all of that internal anger, resentment, need for attention and need for recognition. Jesus is ALL we need. Surrender that “will” to Him and He will fill all the emptiness and more. Jesus will be our strength against temptation just as His Father was for Him.
Be STRONG beloved! And always remember
YOU are Loved with an EVERLASTING love!
May God bless you and keep you always – as we are
“Together Forever in Christ’s Love” (TFICL), Joe
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* * * Some more fun Lenten reading info and activities from Joe’s collection:
ColorMe4Life 