Saturday, February 28, 2009

Fasting and Feasting

Fast from judging others
and feast on Jesus in them

Fast from words that pollute
and feast on phrases that purify

Fast from anger
and feast on patience

Fast from worry and fear
and feast on God's providence

Fast from complaining
and feast on appreciation

Fast from bitterness
and feast on forgiveness

Fast from suspicion
and feast on truth

Fast from thoughts that weaken
and feast on promises that inspire

Taken from Bathe Seven Times, by Mother Nadine Brown

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Turn Back...

"Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord your God." (Joel 2:12-13)

"Fasting is a great help to avoid sin and all that leads to it." From Pope Benedict's lenten message.

"This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Reform your lives and believe in the Gospel." Mark 1:15

Let us journey through Lent by exposing the sin in our lives. Mother Nadine Brown, in her book, "Bathe Seven Times" takes "each capital sin and how it manifests itself in our everyday lives and in our spiritual lives." She focuses on the remedies for each sin and the power of the Holy Spirit to come against it. Each section ends with an examination of conscience. This book can help expose the roots of stubborn sin in our lives.

*Lenten daily readings are provided through the link on your left.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Lent: A time for conversion

What does this mean for me today? How do I know if I am following the real Jesus or the Jesus of my imagination? Ask yourself whether there is a place in the community of the Church where you are open to correction. Is there a place, are there relationships that are difficult yet at the same time convey to you truth and real love? Are there times when you are so angry that you want to walk away but you know that walking away would be superficially attractive but radically disastrous? These are the places where Christ is making himself present in your life.

(Taken from February Magnificat pg. 343 by Father Richard Veras)

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Prepare: Lent is Coming

During the next three weeks, segments of Psalm 119 will be posted. Let us be attentive and listen for the movement of the Holy Spirit within our hearts as we pray.


Weekly Scriptures are posted on the left.

Novena to the Holy Spirit

"Wait for the promise of the Father...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." Acts 1:5,6

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.