To Bring Our Brokenness and Learn to Love Mercy…
By Leah Perrault
The words of the prophet Joel in the first reading for this Valentine’s Ash Wednesday are piercing: “Even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning. Rend your hearts and not your clothing.” How is it that we worship a God who longs to hold our broken hearts, and thirsty souls, our most brittle and fragile selves? And why is it so deep in me to hide exactly these dry places far away from Love?
Are you more of a coffee person, or tea? What about soda and energy drinks? Some of us prefer iced tea or lemonade.
Whatever your vice, give it up today. It may be tough, but each time you crave a sip of something sweet or your usual caffeine kick, offer it up as a prayer for someone in need, or ask God to unite your will to His in preparation for Easter.
📣Today’s challenge: Drink nothing but water.
Today's challenge: Don’t hit the snooze button tomorrow morning. Be determined to start your day for Christ by getting up on time.
If you, or someone you know has been away from the Church, invite them home this Lenten season.
Lent is a time to grow in holiness and prepare ourselves to enter into the Paschal Mystery (the suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus).
1) Pray More
- Contact your local parish for Mass, Adoration, or special services being offered during Lent.
- Say grace at every meal.
- Offer up additional daily prayers.
2) Fast
- Follow the Church's practice of fasting from meat on Fridays.
- Find something to give up or add to your routine as a small sacrifice to help grow in holiness.
- Find other things to fast from, tv, internet, media?
3) Give Alms
- Be generous in sharing your gifts with others this Lenten season.
- Be bold but not reckless. What can give to others in need?
CCCB - Journey Through Lent Series
Praying During Lent - The First Four Days
The First Four Days of Lent
These days serve as an introduction to our Lenten journey. Before we begin the first full week of Lent, we have a powerful set of readings about our Prayer, Repentance, Almsgiving and Fasting. We place ashes on our foreheads and learn about the meaning of death and life. Over two days we pray over the powerful challenge of Isaiah 58. And Jesus reminds us that he is inviting us to a "change of heart."
Source: Creighton University
Ash Wednesday Readings
Joel 2:12-18
Psalm 51
2 Corinthians 5:20 - 6:2
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
2 Corinthians 5:20 - 6:2
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Family Lenten Activities
Share Lent 2024
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Our mailing address is PO Box 1546 Stn. Main, Regina, SK S4P 3C4
communications@archregina.sk.ca