"Faith"fully Yours

Tomorrow the season of Lent begins. Today is Mardi Gras – or Fat Tuesday.   It is traditionally the time just before a season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving when we have our “Alleluias” still.   There is great revelry and fun.   This is a time of release and freedom before the constraints of Lenten disciplines.   Happy Mardi Gras one and all! Often I take today (or these few days before Ash Wednesday) as a time to pray about what God might be asking of me during the upcoming Lenten days.   I typically resist falling into the “same old, same old” pattern of how I have always kept Lent.   I believe that each year I am called to something new or renewed. The question really is “What do I need to do (or not do) to be open to God’s movement toward resurrection within me?”    This year I am thinking about the word “Lent.” In French the word “lentement” means slowly and that feels right to me.   I know that this is not the origin of the word, but the sense of moving slow

On Wednesday most Christians will begin the season of Lent. This is a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter.  Catholic Christians begin this time with the celebration of Ash Wednesday, when we receive ashes on our foreheads, a reminder that in this time we are encouraged to turn from sin and embrace the Gospel and teachings of Jesus. Each year I ask myself the question “how will this year be different?” I am mindful of the scriptures of the season.  On Thursday of this week in the Catholic lectionary, we will read from the Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 30, verses 15 – 20.  This is a beautiful and thought provoking passage.  This is particularly true toward the end when we read that God sets before us life and death, the blessing and the curse.  The next phrase is a command:  “Choose life, then, that you may live!”  Throughout my journey of faith I have found this passage to be challenging and comforting in times of grief and overwhelming stress.  It is as though the

I have recently heard of two “projects” taken on by young people that might help us get a healthier perspective on living.   Life is moving at such a rapid pace and there is such agitation and unease in our world that we can easily forget the quieter, simpler things in life.   It seems to me that now more than ever we need to nurture our spirit of hope and gratitude and sometimes the smallest gestures provide lasting sustenance. Back in 2015 a 6 year old wanted to be known for sharing smiles even in the face of losing both parents in a 2 year time.   Jaden Hayes began the “Smile Experiment” by following the advice of his Aunt and giving away small toys or trinkets along with a smile big enough to brighten a room.   His desire was kindled by wanting to turn the down cast faces and hearts of mourners to smiles for the life yet to be lived.   Now, almost two years later, the infectious nature of this child’s smile continues to move others of all ages and situations to take a br