The Passion of the Lord
Ways Lent Can Change You (anytime)
Lent, much like the black smudge on your forehead from Ash Wednesday, can easily get lost in our busy routines. Let’s look for God’s presence in new and unexpected ways. If you have a moment this season, start today. How do you notice God in your life?
Pause for a moment and consider how Lent might make a difference in your life.
Remember the Ashes
The message “from dust to dust we shall return” may sound sad, but it is simply true. The ashes remind us that life is short and help us value the people and things we have today.
Sacrifice shows appreciation
Giving something up for Lent helps us pay less attention to what we want and more to what we already have.
Finding new ways to show compassion
Almsgiving is more than giving money. It means giving of ourselves to others, whether it’s family, friends, or people at work, give of yourself in a thoughtful and caring way. This is called “Mitzvah,” which means giving without expecting anything in return — not even a smile or a thank you.
That is true almsgiving is.
Fasting*
People who are seriously ill, such as those with diabetes or cancer, and those above a certain age are exempt from fasting. People who are exempt from fasting are encouraged to compensate through prayer, almsgiving, and good deeds.
Living a Prayerful Life
Spending time with God each day can make Lent a time of real change. You could pray for a few minutes before breakfast, before exercising, or even before Bingo. Try adding a new habit to strengthen your prayer life.
When we make time for God, we feel more complete, and life gets better. Lent is here for us, so go ahead and get that black smudge!
Melissa McCoy
Maryville Chaplain
Feb. 2 – The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Candlemas
The Mass on this day includes the blessing of candles for the coming year, thus the name – Candlemas.
The practice of blessing the candles came about in the fifth century. Originally it was for blessing the candles used in the church, but, now, parishioners also bring candles to Mass that day to be blessed.
Every single creature is full of God.
And is a book about God.
Every creature is a Word of God.
If I spend enough time with the tiniest creature,
Even a catepillar,
I would never have to prepare a sermon.
So full of God is every creature.
Meister Eckhart
1260-1328
