Our priest reminds us there are no drive-by ashes. Apparently every Ash Wed. people ask him when they can pick up ashes. Everybody wants free stuff! I think Ash Wed. and Palm Sunday are more highly attended than any other feast day except for Christmas. C&E or A&P Catholics, y'all are missing out on Jesus. Yesterday we had a funeral Mass for an old friend, and it was a reminder our next breath is not guaranteed. We are nothing but dust, but oh, we are God's beloved dust, and Lent is a wonderful time of allowing Him to penetrate us more deeply through increased prayer, fasting and giving. Here's a poem that one of our RCIA mentors shared with us 5 years ago. Enjoy!
Fast From-Feast On
- Fast from judging others; Feast on the Christ dwelling in them.
- Fast from emphasis on differences; Feast on the unity of life.
- Fast from apparent darkness; Feast on the reality of light.
- Fast from thoughts of illness; Feast on the healing power of God.
- Fast from words that pollute; Feast on phrases that purify.
- Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude.
- Fast from anger; Feast on patience.
- Fast from pessimism; Feast on optimism.
- Fast from worry; Feast on divine order.
- Fast from complaining; Feast on appreciation.
- Fast from negatives; Feast on affirmatives.
- Fast from unrelenting pressures; Feast on unceasing prayer.
- Fast from hostility; Feast on non-resistance.
- Fast from bitterness; Feast on forgiveness.
- Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion for others.
- Fast from personal anxiety; Feast on eternal truth.
- Fast from discouragements; Feast on hope.
- Fast from facts that depress; Feast on verities that uplift.
- Fast from lethargy; Feast on enthusiasm.
- Fast from thoughts that weaken; Feast on promises that inspire.
- Fast from shadows of sorrow; Feast on the sunlight of serenity.
- Fast from idle gossip; Feast on purposeful silence.
- Fast from problems that overwhelm; Feast on prayer that [strengthens].
8 comments:
Wishing you and your family a blessed and restorative Lent as it begins today.
Lovely thoughts. Thank you for sharing them.
That poem is so profound, and an excellent reminder. Physical fasting is so much easier than spiritual fasting.
This is wonderful, Vijaya! Thanks so much for sharing!
What a wonderful list. I especially like that it starts with "fast from judging others." And...drive-by ashes? Oh, dear.
Thank you, Vijaya for sharing this challenging post. I shared it on FB/
Wonderful list. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you all so much. A most blessed Lent to all.
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