+Dear Saint David Parishioners,
Isn’t it great that the Catholic Church gives us liturgical seasons? Otherwise, life would be the same old, same old! Now we are in the liturgical season of Lent. As an educator for all these years, I think to myself, what would help us remember what Lent is all about? So, of course, with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, I thought an acrostic may do the trick. I hope you find it helpful.
Loving and forgiving. Look to Jesus. He showed us the way.
Expecting the best of one another. Giving others the benefit of the doubt, without judgment. Recalling that each person is made in the likeness of God.
No complaining or gossiping. Doing your best and trusting that God will do the rest.
Taking time – First for prayer, by attending Mass each week, participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, praying the rosary, reading the Bible, and sitting in silence and listening to Jesus speak to your heart. Jesus knows what we go through. He too experienced temptation as we read in today’s Gospel. Therefore, He will strengthen us for the journey of life and to our ultimate destination – heaven. Second – spending more quality time with family and without devices. Perhaps begin a family game night or take walks in the park. Quality times like these build trust and strengthen family bonds. Third – taking time for self-care. Eating healthily, exercising on a consistent basis, and getting enough sleep. Lastly – making time for cleaning out and living more simply. You and your family may then make donations to the Saint Vincent DePaul Society in our parish.
These are a few practical suggestions that may make Lent the season of hope and renewal that it is meant to be. Then at Easter, we can truly rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior because we too have risen to a better life in Jesus. Let us pray for one another that, with God’s grace, this will be the best Lent ever!
In Mary’s Immaculate Heart, I am,
Sister Mary