2.13.13 Ash Wednesday

Eating grilled cheese for supper.  Today is Ash Wednesday.  I attended mass this morning with Joe.

"From dust you came, and to dust you shall return."

People sacrifice different things during the Lenten Season.  I heard that one person gave up Facebook for Lent!  That wouldn't be much of a sacrifice for me, since I never post and don't go to Facebook often. 

The Presentation Sisters sent out a pamphlet that had some excerpts from "The Sacred Art of Fasting", by Father Thomas Ryan.  I like many of his ideas.

"Fast from judging others:

• Recall how God looks compassionately on our faults.
• Unhook from conversations in which others are being judged.

Fast from anger, resentment, bitterness:

• Pray for the grace to forgive those who have hurt you.
• Pray for the understanding of resentfulness.
• Ask someone for forgiveness. 

Fast from complaining:

• When feeling inclined to complain, stop and look at how you are blessed, and give thanks. 

Fast with your eyes:

• Become informed about causes of hunger in the world.
• Reflect more on your life through journaling

Fast with your ears:

• Be attentive to the words of others.
• Listen to and let yourself be challenged by the words expressed in the Scriptures.

Fast with your mouth:

• Appreciate more simple food and drink, like water, and good bread.
• Invite someone to consider a vocation to religious life.

Fast with your hands:

• Make time in your schedule to put your hands together in prayer.
• Share from your own goods with those who have less.
• Extend a gentle touch of encouragement.

Fast with your feet:

• Offer  yourself a daily quiet half hour of reading  that nourishes your spirit.
• Pray for the desire to walk humbly with your God. "

Internal reflection is good for all of us.  That's what I love most about Lent.