LENT

This past Wednesday Catholics around the world began the liturgical season of Lent.  It is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It is a time for being reflective, repenting and changing our lives and how God is doing something new in us.
Fasting from treats, dessert, or television may be a start.  Perhaps we can find other ways to fast that will draw us  closer to God and become the persons we want to be.  For example, we could fast from being unkind, quick to make judgements, or being impatient.  Fasting from self-centeredness, from always wanting to control situations or others, from prejudices, and from being unforgiving will help us be more loving, more considerate, and more merciful. 
Spending more time in prayer and reflection is always a good practice.  On Sunday evenings the sisters at our community living center gather in the chapel to pray the Office together.  One sister gives a short reflection. It is a grace-filled time that we can share.  On Friday evenings the sisters pray the stations of the cross.  Check you local parishes to see what programs may be offered there during Lent.  Choose one.  May this time of preparation for Easter draw you closer to Christ.