Ash Wednesday

Lent has arrived and once again we have the opportunity to reflect on Christ's great sacrifice for us. We are also called to make sacrifices of our own. This Lent we will be making sacrifices as a family. I think Kolbe (almost 4) and Sophia (5) are now old enough to join us. As a family we are giving up something that is very dear to us ..... eating!! Well, not ALL eating. But we will be giving up desserts and eating out. A GREAT sacrifice. The money will go into their rice boxes.

How easily I indulge myself and forget the poor. Already I was thinking about where to go pick up a fish dinner tonight!! So, instead we're having baked potatoes. And after Mass on Sundays we'll be coming home instead of eating out. And no more quick runs because dinner hasn't been made.

After reading Michelle's post, I've resolved that we need to live simpler. This includes how we dress, eat, our toys and things, everything!!!

We'll also be doing a Lenten Cross, similar to a Jesse Tree. As well as covering our holy objects with purple cloth. And finally, we'll be doing our Friday Stations of the Cross.

My personal sacrifices include doing more!! Last night I watched Mass on EWTN with Fr. Mitch Picwa and I was wondering why I didn't watch everyday!! So every morning I'm resolving to watch mass (since I can't attend). I've always thought it was an all or nothing deal. I completely forget about spiritual communions. I'm also thinking about having the kids watch mass with me. Good practice for Sunday.

I'm also donating clothes and toys. I don't mean the broken, worn out things. I'm donating the good stuff! Mother Theresa said:

I believe it was St. Vincent de Paul who used to say to those who wanted to join his congregation: "Never forget, my children, that the poor are our masters. That is why we should love them and serve them, with utter respect, and do what they bid us."

Do you not believe that it can happen, on the other hand, that we treat the poor like they are a garbage bag in which we throw everything we have no use for? Food we do not like or that is going bad - we throw it there.

Perishable goods past their expiration date, and which might harm us, go in the garbage bag: in other words, go to the poor. An article of clothing that is not in style anymore, that we do not want to wear, goes to the poor.

This does not show any respect for the dignity of the poor; this is not to consider them our masters, like St. Vincent de Paul taught his religious, but to consider them less than our equals.