I’m sure you’ve heard it said, “March comes in like a lion, then leaves like a lamb.” Not sure how you found the first day of March, but I promise not to complain when it gets hot in June! So, are you with me still on the journey to make Lent your lifestyle? Now we are into the second week of Lent, I can honestly say that every day is a chance to stay on target or to start again. They tell me that practice makes perfect. Well, I must say I’ve been practicing a lot, but I’m far from perfect. I must put my hope in “progress, not perfection.” Also, I am grateful that God is a loving God and knows I’m trying.
We have been looking at how we can make Lent our Lifestyle using prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Last week, we spoke about prayer. I hope you had time to reflect on the questions I offered. Today I will share with you something you have probably seen before, but it is always good to revisit things that make us think, to change, to step out of the box. In the list, we move from fasting to feasting during this Lenten season. A wonderful teacher and catechist created these.
| FAST FROM | FEAST ON |
| Judging others | The Christ dwelling in them |
| Emphasis on differences | The unity of life |
| Hostility | Non-resistance |
| Complaining | Appreciation |
| Self-concern | Compassion for others |
| Discouragements | Hope |
| Bitterness | Forgiveness |
| Lethargy | Enthusiasm |
| Thoughts that weaken | Promises that inspire |
| Idle gossip | Purposeful silence |
| Unrelenting pressures | Unceasing prayer |
| Problems that overwhelm | Prayer that undergirds |
These are just a few; I am sure this list can challenge you to write a few more Fasting to Feasting suggestions. You can send me a few to add to this one, if you choose to. Do you find yourself identifying with any of these? I can claim at least a few. I know I’ll be busy this week, and hopefully getting closer to living my life as Lent. Jesus is the perfect role model.
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
