Many of us give up chocolate for Lent. This is a good traditional way to make a little sacrifice in preparation for Easter Sunday. Then, when we celebrate Jesus's resurrection from the dead we will also celebrate our own rising from our sins and weakness in the grace of the risen Jesus. I would like to call our attention especially to the weakness of indifference to those we should care about every day.
First a note: Up to now, this blog has been read by people from 96 countries. That's half the countries in the world! My sincere thanks to everyone of you. You elate my spirit every day! My thoughts in this post will apply particularly to my American culture, with the trust that those of you around the world will apply what I suggest to your own culture.
How about adding to our chocolate "sacrifice" by reaching out to a Muslim woman in the supermarket and saying to her that she enriches our country and our American soul, and wishing her peace? How about smiling at a couple who have a baby or young children and wishing God's blessing upon them. How about smiling at young people, no matter how they are dressed, and telling them they are beautiful both externally and internally, and wishing them great success in their studies and lives?
How about getting actively involved in our government by contacting our legislators and saying strongly and respectfully that we fully expect them to vote for justice and peace for all people, with a special option for the poor, sick, vulnerable and outcast. If they have acted well, let us thank them and encourage them to continue doing positive things for all the people. If they have acted against justice and peace for all, let's tell them strongly and respectfully that they are not doing what they were elected to do. If they are afraid of not being reelected, let's ask them what good they expect to do while in office.
And let us point out to our legislators that there are far too many people around the world who cannot approach their political leaders as we do, and urge them to do all that they can to bring such blessed freedom to all others.
Many of us Americans have friends all over the country and even abroad but don't really know our neighbors. To be Catholic is to be committed to wholeness. A good Lenten "sacrifice" is to get to know our neighbors better, especially those who are needy. And to work to make our neighborhood more friendly, and where necessary, more safe.
We Catholics are the People of Christ, our Savior who showed us how we should live our lives every day of the year. So along with giving up chocolate for Lent, let us use Lent to remember anew that we are Catholics every day and every season of the year.
Comments: massimini7@gmail.com
First a note: Up to now, this blog has been read by people from 96 countries. That's half the countries in the world! My sincere thanks to everyone of you. You elate my spirit every day! My thoughts in this post will apply particularly to my American culture, with the trust that those of you around the world will apply what I suggest to your own culture.
How about adding to our chocolate "sacrifice" by reaching out to a Muslim woman in the supermarket and saying to her that she enriches our country and our American soul, and wishing her peace? How about smiling at a couple who have a baby or young children and wishing God's blessing upon them. How about smiling at young people, no matter how they are dressed, and telling them they are beautiful both externally and internally, and wishing them great success in their studies and lives?
How about getting actively involved in our government by contacting our legislators and saying strongly and respectfully that we fully expect them to vote for justice and peace for all people, with a special option for the poor, sick, vulnerable and outcast. If they have acted well, let us thank them and encourage them to continue doing positive things for all the people. If they have acted against justice and peace for all, let's tell them strongly and respectfully that they are not doing what they were elected to do. If they are afraid of not being reelected, let's ask them what good they expect to do while in office.
And let us point out to our legislators that there are far too many people around the world who cannot approach their political leaders as we do, and urge them to do all that they can to bring such blessed freedom to all others.
Many of us Americans have friends all over the country and even abroad but don't really know our neighbors. To be Catholic is to be committed to wholeness. A good Lenten "sacrifice" is to get to know our neighbors better, especially those who are needy. And to work to make our neighborhood more friendly, and where necessary, more safe.
We Catholics are the People of Christ, our Savior who showed us how we should live our lives every day of the year. So along with giving up chocolate for Lent, let us use Lent to remember anew that we are Catholics every day and every season of the year.
Comments: massimini7@gmail.com
