Tag Archive for Lent

Maybe Our Lent Should Be Changed

Many people observe Lent.  It’s a great shot in the rump for our weight-control, which is what many of us use it for.  We give up sweets and snacks, hoping to reduce our body-weight.  This year, let’s concentrate on reducing a different kind of weight in our world, the damaging heaviness of violence, shown in unkindness, hostility, cruelty, disrespect, and selfishness.  The Institute for Peace and Justice has developed a “Pledge of Nonviolence” we can adopt as an individual, family, or group of any sort.  With it, we promise to 1) respect self and others, 2) communicate better, 3) listen, 4) forgive, 5) respect nature, 6) play creatively, and 7) be courageous. All are perfect Lenten activities.  Then, when people ask that old question, “What did you give up for Lent?” you can answer, “I gave up being a cause of violence in my world.”

 

For Those Who Observe Lent–and Everyone Else

Today’s Thursday Thought gives the Pope’s insight on how to observe Lent, and, by extension, how to live life.

POPE FRANCIS’ WORDS

Do you want to fast this Lent?

  • Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
  • Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
  • Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
  • Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
  • Fast from worries and trust in God.
  • Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
  • Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
  • Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.
  • Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
  • Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
  • Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.