Lent has begun. This
year, I invite you and your family to go to the desert. In the desert, however you may shape it for
yourselves, I invite you to renew your understanding of the Gospel and to live
the Sacraments. Find a way to get away
from things, to create an atmosphere of prayer and peace for yourself and for
each member of your family. Let your works
of Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving be methods to grow in your commitment and
understanding of the Gospel and of your practice of the Sacramental Life.
Pray: Read a
Gospel. Choose Luke, which is the Gospel
of Year C, that is read at Sunday Masses.
Choose Mark, the shortest Gospel, or Matthew, the Gospel that shows Jesus
as fulfillment of the Old Testament, or John, the Gospel that shows how it all
fits together with the Word made Flesh.
Fast: Find a way to detox from media, to detach from all
that keeps you too busy. Give up a food
that you enjoy. Study the Scriptures to
see the different kinds of penances done by God’s people and try them for
yourself.
Give Alms: Participate in a particular charity as a
family. Spend time with your children or
with someone who is always alone.
Reconnect with old friends. Give
to your favorite charity. Give something
of yourself – your time and your talent – in addition to your treasure.
Today’s Gospel tells us of the Temptation of Jesus after
His Baptism. Our Lord was tested, and He
prevailed. May we discover our own
temptations and learn to trust in the Spirit to free us to be who God calls us
to be.
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