Posts
Dara’s Corner-Try
· Spirit Hour: Try a wine from St. Bernadette area near Lourdes or a white rose
· Carnival Time begins in Catholic Countries.
· Bucket List trip:
· Plan winter fun:
· Soak in hot springs
· Hit the snow slopes
· Ride a snowmobile
· Go for a dog sled ride
· Ride a hot air balloon
· How to celebrate Feb 18th
· National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day
· Financial Aid Awareness Month
π Dara’s Corner: Aboard The World
Ordinary Time | February 11 – February 17, 2026
Theme: Crossing, Listening & the Grace of New Lands
Coordinates: Departing Sydney → Tasman Sea → Wellington → Akaroa
π Day 1 — February 11 | Departing Sydney
Title: The Courage to Cast Off
• Ritual: Pilgrims stand at the stern, naming one attachment they are willing to loosen as they leave Australia
• Scripture: Mark 1:18 — “Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.”
• Meal: Herb omelet, fresh fruit, hot tea
• Reflection: “Casting off is not abandonment—it is trust in motion.”
• Hospitality Arc: Ask someone what they’re loosening their grip on
π¬️ Day 2 — February 12 | Tasman Sea Crossing
Title: The Listening Wind
• Ritual: Pilgrims face the wind and name one truth they are ready to hear
• Scripture: John 10:27 — “My sheep hear my voice…”
• Meal: Lentil soup, seeded bread, ginger tea
• Reflection: “Listening is the first act of discipleship.”
• Hospitality Arc: Share with someone a truth that has been whispering to you
π«️ Day 3 — February 13 | Mid‑Tasman Sea
Title: The Clouded Middle
• Ritual: Pilgrims sit in silence for five minutes, naming one place where clarity has not yet come
• Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:7 — “We walk by faith, not by sight.”
• Meal: Ginger carrot soup, rice crackers, mint tea
• Reflection: “The middle is where faith grows its roots.”
• Hospitality Arc: Ask someone where their path feels clouded—and simply witness it
π
Day 4 — February 14 | Approaching New Zealand (Valentine’s Day)
Title: The Shore of Tenderness
• Ritual: Pilgrims place a hand over their heart, naming one relationship that needs gentleness
• Scripture: Colossians 3:14 — “Above all, clothe yourselves with love…”
• Meal: Poached eggs, roasted tomatoes, herbal tea
• Reflection: “Tenderness is strength softened by love.”
• Hospitality Arc: Offer someone a word of kindness they didn’t expect
π Day 5 — February 15 | Docked in Wellington
Title: The Harbor of Wisdom
• Ritual: Pilgrims walk the waterfront, naming one piece of wisdom they hope to receive in this new land
• Scripture: James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God…”
• Meal: Local seafood chowder, crusty bread, crisp white wine
• Reflection: “Wisdom often arrives disguised as quiet noticing.”
• Hospitality Arc: Share with someone the wisdom you’re seeking
Local Inspiration:
Wellington’s hills, harbor winds, and MΔori heritage invite humility and attentiveness.
π Day 6 — February 16 | Akaroa (Banks Peninsula)
Title: The Peninsula of Peace
• Ritual: Pilgrims touch the shoreline or a smooth stone, naming one peace they long to cultivate
• Scripture: John 14:27 — “My peace I give to you…”
• Meal: Grilled salmon, citrus greens, sparkling elderflower
• Reflection: “Peace is not the absence of waves—it is the presence of Christ.”
• Hospitality Arc: Ask someone where they feel peace rising
Local Inspiration:
Akaroa’s French charm, volcanic cliffs, and calm bays create a natural sanctuary for reflection.
π§️ Day 7 — February 17 | At Sea Toward Timaru
Title: The Gentle Descent
• Ritual: Pilgrims write one burden they are ready to set down and fold it into a small paper boat
• Scripture: Psalm 131:2 — “I have calmed and quieted my soul…”
• Meal: Chicken broth, steamed vegetables, warm lemon water
• Reflection: “Descent is not diminishment—it is grounding.”
• Hospitality Arc: Ask someone what they’re stepping down from—and honor their humility
February 18 Ash
Wednesday
Numbers, chapter 22, Verse 2-3
Now Balak, son of Zippor, saw all
that Israel did to the Amorites, and Moab FEARED the Israelites greatly because they were numerous. Moab was
in dread of the Israelites.
Fear
is listed by many theologians as the 8th deadly sin. God in making
us a Holy people wants us to be free of fear.
Is
it any wonder that people without faith are plagued by fear?
Fear Dominates Politics, Media and Human Existence in
America—And It’s Getting Worse according to Don Hazen.
“Fear is the mind-killer” – Frank
Herbert, Dune
People cannot think clearly when
they are afraid. As numerous studies have shown, fear is the enemy of
reason. It distorts emotions and perceptions, and often leads to poor
decisions. For people who have suffered trauma, fear messages can sometimes trigger
uncontrollable flight-or-fight responses with dangerous ramifications.
Yet over time, many interlocking
aspects of our society have become increasingly sophisticated at communicating
messages and information that produce fear responses. Advertising, political
ads, news coverage and social media all send the constant message that people
should be afraid—very afraid.
In addition, television and film
are filled with extreme violence and millions of fictional deaths, far out of
proportion to what happens in real life, as researchers have pointed out…All
this, despite statistics indicating that in most parts of the
country, the crime rate is actually on the decline.
Fear is so pervasive that experts
have made the case we live in a generalized “culture of fear,” also the name of
a book by Barry Glassner which underscores the fact that we often fear the
wrong things, and incredibly out of proportion to reality. Statistics show you
have a much higher chance of being killed by lightning than by a
terrorist.[1]
Copilot’s Take
Fear is always the first foothold
of evil. Before a person ever compromises, lashes out, or loses hope, fear has
already begun its quiet work of shrinking the soul. Balak’s panic in Numbers 22
is the same pattern we see in our own age: when people lose the fear of the
Lord, they become captive to every lesser fear. A culture without faith becomes
a culture of dread—easily manipulated, easily divided, easily overwhelmed. Fear
clouds judgment, distorts reality, and makes people vulnerable to the very forces
they believe they are resisting. This is why Scripture’s most repeated command
is “Do not be afraid,” not because danger is imaginary, but because fear is
spiritually corrosive. It is the atmosphere in which evil grows.
To confront evil, then, we must
first confront fear. Not by denying its presence, but by refusing its
authority. Ash Wednesday gives us the posture: we kneel, we receive the ashes,
and we remember that death itself has been defeated. A Christian who is not
afraid of death cannot be controlled by the world’s terrors. Holy
fear—reverence, awe, obedience—displaces the panic that evil depends on. It
restores clarity, steadiness, and courage. In a society addicted to fear, the
believer becomes a sign of contradiction: calm where others are frantic,
faithful where others are cynical, courageous where others are captive. This is
the beginning of Lent’s work—letting Christ free us from fear so we can stand
upright against evil.
Ash Wednesday[2]
The solemn season begins with a reminder of our mortality and our profound need for repentance and conversion.[3]
Why is this day so called?
Because on this day the Catholic Church blesses ashes and puts them on the foreheads of the faithful, saying, “Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust shalt thou shall return” (Gen. iii. 19).
Why are the ashes blessed?
1. That all who receive them with a contrite heart may be preserved in soul and body.
2. That God may give them contrition and pardon their sins.
3. That He may grant them all they humbly ask for, particularly the grace to do penance, and the reward promised to the truly penitent.
Why are the faithful sprinkled with ashes?
The sprinkling with ashes was always a public sign of penance as such God enjoined it upon the Israelites (Jer. xxv. 34). David sprinkled ashes on his beard (Ps. ci. 10). The Ninevites (Jonas iii. 6), Judith (Jud. ix. 1), Mordechai (Esther iv. 1), Job (xlii. 6), and others, did penance in sackcloth and ashes. To show the spirit of penance and to move God to mercy, the Church, at the Introit of the Mass, uses the following words: “Thou hast mercy upon all, O Lord, and hatest none of the things which Thou hast made, and winkest at the sins of men for the sake of repentance, and sparing them, for Thou art the Lord our God” (Wis. xi. 24, 25).
Prayer. Grant to Thy faithful, O Lord, that they may begin the venerable solemnities of fasting with becoming piety and perform them with undisturbed devotion.
EPISTLE. Joel ii. 12-19.
Therefore, saith the Lord: Be converted to Me with all your heart, in fasting, and in weeping, and in mourning. And rend your hearts and not your garments and turn to the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, patient and rich in mercy, and ready to repent of the evil. Who knoweth but he will return, and forgive, and leave a blessing behind him, sacrifice and libation to the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Sion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather together the people, sanctify the church, assemble the ancients, gather together the little ones, and them that suck at the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth from his bed, and the bride out of her bride-chamber. Between the porch and the altar, the priests, the Lord s ministers, shall weep, and shall say: Spare, O Lord, spare Thy people; and give not Thy inheritance to reproach, that the heathens should rule over them; why should they say among the nations: Where is their God? The Lord hath been zealous for His land, and hath spared His people: and the Lord answered and said to His people: Behold I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and you shall be filled with them: and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations, saith the Lord Almighty.
Explanation. The prophet, in these words, calls upon the Israelites to be converted, reminding them of the great mercy of God, and exhorting them to join true repentance for their sins with their fasting and alms. They should all, without exception, do penance and implore the mercy of God, Who would then forgive them, deliver them from their enemies, and bring peace and happiness upon them.
GOSPEL. Matt. vi. 16-21.
At that time Jesus said to His disciples: When you fast, be not as the hypocrites, sad: for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face, that thou appear not to men to fast, but to thy Father Who is in secret: and thy Father, Who seeth in secret, will repay thee. Lay not up to yourselves treasures on earth: where the rust and moth consume, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven: where neither rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do not break through, nor steal. For where thy treasure is, there is thy heart also.
Instruction on Lent
What is the origin of fasting?
Under the Old Law the Jews fasted by the command of God; thus, Moses fasted forty days and forty nights, on Mount Sinai, when God gave him the Ten Commandments; Elias, in like manner, fasted in the desert. Jesus also fasted and commanded His apostles to fast also. The Catholic Church, says St. Leo, from the time of the apostles, has enjoined fasting upon all the faithful.
Why has the Church instituted the fast before Easter?
1. To imitate Jesus Christ, who fasted forty days.
2. To participate in His merits and passion; for as Christ could only be glorified through His sufferings, so in order to belong to Him we must follow Him by a life answering to His.
3. To subject the flesh to the spirit, and thus,
4, prepare us for Easter and the worthy reception of the divine Lamb.
5. Finally, to offer to God some satisfaction for our sins, and, as St. Leo says, to atone for the sins of a whole year by a short fast of the tenth part of a year.
Was the fast of Lent kept in early times as it is now?
Yes, only more rigorously; for:
1. The Christians of the early ages abstained not only from flesh-meat, but from those things which are produced from flesh, such as butter, eggs, cheese, and also from wine and fish.
2. They fasted during the whole day, and ate only after vespers, that is, at night.
How shall we keep the holy season of Lent with advantage?
We should endeavor not only to deny ourselves food and drink, but, still more, all sinful gratifications. And as the body is weakened by fasting, the soul, on the other hand, should be strengthened by repeated prayers, by frequent reception of the holy sacraments, attending Mass, spiritual reading, and good works, particularly those of charity. In such manner we shall be able, according to the intention of the Church, to supply by our fasting what we have omitted during the year, especially if we fast willingly, and with a good intention.
Prayer.
O Lord Jesus, I offer up to Thee my fasting and self-denial, to be united to Thy fasting and sufferings, for Thy glory, in Gratitude for so many benefits received from Thee, in satisfaction for my sins and those of others, and to obtain Thy holy grace that I may overcome my sins and acquire the virtues which I need. Look upon me, O Jesus, in mercy. Amen.
Ash Wednesday Top Events and Things to Do[4]
·
Go
to your local parish to get ashes and reflect on your own mortality and
sinfulness. Non-Christians are also welcomed to get ashes.
·
Fast
during Ash Wednesday to commemorate Jesus fasting for forty days in the desert.
Catholics are specifically instructed to not eat meat and are only
permitted to eat one full meal. However, they may have 2 snacks in the
form of some food in the morning and evening.
·
Make
fiber-rich vegetarian versions of popular dishes. Some good ideas are
Veggie Burgers, Vegetarian Chili and salads with Tempeh. The fiber will
help keep you feeling full - useful if you fast for the rest of the day!
·
Rent
a movie that reflects on Mortality or Repentance. Some suggestions: Les
MisΓ©rables (2012),
Dorian
Gray (2009), What
Dreams May Come
(1998), Flatliners
(1990) and The Seventh Seal (1957).
· Discuss mortality, repentance and the meaning of life with your friends or with a church group.
Of all the observances of Lent, the chief among these is the Great Fast. So, intertwined are the words Lent and the Great Fast, that in fact the Fathers of the Church sometimes used the terms interchangeably. This solemn obligation is believed to be of Apostolic origin and takes its precedent, as we mentioned above, from the examples of Moses, Elias, and Jesus Christ. The Great Fast used to consist of both abstinence and fasting. Christians were expected to abstain not only from flesh meat, but from all things that come from flesh, e.g. milk, cheese, eggs, and butter. Eastern rite Christians still observe this practice, while the Western church gradually kept only abstinence from meat (reference to all lacticinia, or "milk foods," was dropped in the 1919 Roman Code of Canon Law). Both East and West, however, agree on the importance of fasting. Originally this meant taking only one meal a day, though the practice was modified over the centuries. The preconciliar practice in the U.S. was for all able-bodied Catholics ages 21 to 60 to have one full meal a day which could include meat, and two meatless meals which together could not equal one full meal. Snacking between meals was prohibited, though drinking was not. Ash Wednesday, Fridays and the Ember Days were days of total abstinence from meat, while Sundays were completely exempted from all fasting and abstaining. The idea behind the Great Fast -- as well as other periods of fasting -- is that by weakening the body it is made more obedient to the soul, thereby liberating the soul to contemplate higher things. St. Augustine gives perhaps the best example: if you have a particularly high-spirited horse, you train it at the times when it is too weak to revolt. It is our opinion that this venerable practice should still be taken seriously. Even though current ecclesiastical law has reduced the fast from forty days to two and eliminated the thirty-three days of partial abstinence, this does not mean that observing the Great Fast is not salubrious or praiseworthy. This said, however, the Great Fast should not be adhered to legalistically. In the words of St. John Chrysostom: "If your body is not strong enough to continue fasting all day, no wise man will reprove you; for we serve a gentle and merciful Lord who expects nothing of us beyond our strength."
Lent-10 Things
to Remember for Lent[6]
1.
Remember the formula. 10
Commandments, 7 sacraments, 3 persons in the Trinity. For Lent, the Church
gives us almost a slogan—Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving—as the three things we
need to work on during the season.
2.
It’s a time of prayer. As we pray,
we go on a journey over 40 days, one that hopefully brings us closer to Christ
and leaves us changed by the encounter with him.
3.
It’s a time to fast. With
the fasts of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, meatless Fridays, and our personal
disciplines interspersed, Lent is the only time many Catholics these days
actually fast. And maybe that’s why it gets all the attention. “What are you
giving up for Lent? Hotdogs? Beer? Jellybeans?” It’s almost a game for some of
us, but fasting is actually a form of penance, which helps us turn away from
sin and toward Christ.
4.
It’s a time to work on discipline.
Set time to work on personal discipline in general. Instead of giving
something up, it can be doing something positive. “I’m going to exercise more.
I’m going to pray more. I’m going to be nicer to my family, friends and
coworkers.”
5.
It’s about dying to yourself. The
more serious side of Lenten discipline is that it’s about more than
self-control – it’s about finding aspects of yourself that are less than
Christ-like and letting them die. The suffering and death of Christ are
foremost on our minds during Lent, and we join in these mysteries by suffering,
dying with Christ and being resurrected in a purified form.
6.
Don’t do too much. It’s
tempting to make Lent some ambitious period of personal reinvention, but it’s
best to keep it simple and focused. There’s a reason the Church works on these
mysteries year after year. We spend our entire lives growing closer to God.
Don’t try to cram it all in one Lent. That’s a recipe for failure.
7.
Lent reminds us of our weakness.
Of course, even when we set simple goals for ourselves during Lent, we
still have trouble keeping them. When we fast, we realize we’re all just one
meal away from hunger. Lent shows us our weakness. This can be painful but
recognizing how helpless we are makes us seek God’s help with renewed urgency
and sincerity.
8.
Be patient with yourself. When
we’re confronted with our own weakness during Lent, the temptation is to get
angry and frustrated. “What a bad person I am!” But that’s the wrong lesson.
God is calling us to be patient and to see ourselves as he does, with
unconditional love.
9.
Reach out in charity. As we
experience weakness and suffering during Lent, we should be renewed in our
compassion for those who are hungry, suffering or otherwise in need. The third
part of the Lenten formula is almsgiving. It’s about more than throwing a few
extra dollars in the collection plate; it’s about reaching out to others and
helping them without question as a way of sharing the experience of God’s
unconditional love.
10. Learn to love like Christ. Giving of ourselves in the midst of our suffering and self-denial brings us closer to loving like Christ, who suffered and poured himself out unconditionally on the cross for all of us. Lent is a journey through the desert to the foot of the cross on Good Friday, as we seek him out, ask his help, join in his suffering, and learn to love like him.
Lenten Calendar[7]
Read: Take inspiration for your Lenten journey from prayer and the reading of Scripture, from fasting and from giving alms. – Lent is essentially an act of prayer spread out over 40 days. As we pray, we are brought closer to Christ and are changed by the encounter with him. Fasting – The fasting that we all do together on Fridays is but a sign of the daily Lenten discipline of individuals and households: fasting for certain periods of time, fasting from certain foods, but also fasting from other things and activities. Almsgiving – The giving of alms is an effort to share this world equally—not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents.
Reflect: “Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning” (Joel 2:12, Lectionary)
Pray: As we begin Lent, we pray for the strength to commit ourselves to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving so that we may grow to love God more each day.
Act: Have you picked up your Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl for Lent this year? Make a commitment to dropping in spare change every day. Another way to give alms today is by giving to the National Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe.
Prayer before the Crucifix[8]
This
prayer is designed to be said within the family before a Crucifix from Ash
Wednesday to Saturday at the beginning of Lent.
Prayer
Mother or a child: From the words of St. John the
Evangelist (14:1-6).
Let not your hearts be troubled.
You believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many
mansions. Were it not so, I would have told you, because I go to prepare a
place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again, and
I will take you to myself, that where I am, there you also may be. And where I
go, you know, and the way you know.
Father: We ought to glory in the Cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ
Family: in whom is our salvation, life and
resurrection.
Father:
Let us pray. Grant to your faithful, Lord, a spirit generous enough to begin
these solemn fasts with proper fervor and to pursue them with steadfast
devotion. This we ask of you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.
Family: Amen. Favor this dwelling, Lord, with your
presence. Far from it repulse all the wiles of Satan. Your holy angels—let them
live here, to keep us in peace. And may your blessing remain always upon us.
This we ask of you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.
Father:
Let us bless the Lord.
Family: Thanks be to God.
Father:
May the almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless and
keep us.
Family: Amen.
Prayer Source: Holy Lent by Eileen O'Callaghan,
The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota, 1975
A Practical Guide to Fasting
Fasting – a word we normally
reserve for Lent. Once Easter comes, we box it up and package it away until the
next Lent. Yet this should not be so among Catholic men. A while ago, Sam
discussed the great benefits of fasting.
http://www.40daysofprayerandfasting.org/live-the-fast/
Now you may be thinking … Fasting
sounds great, but where do I start? … Let’s take some time to look at the
basics of fasting well.
Preparation: It
is important to develop a strategy before beginning to fast. This starts with
setting a realistic goal. For example, you should start simple, such as a bread
and water fast for one meal, one day a week. Also, select your fast day. I
recommend Wednesday or Friday, as these are the two traditional Catholic days
to fast, commemorating Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion. As you grow in fasting
discipline, you could increase your fast to multiple meals on fast day or even
multiple days a week.
Water: Water
helps purify our bodies of toxins, while providing only the basic hydration we
need to survive. When fasting, make sure to bring a water bottle with you
throughout the day and drink frequently to stay hydrated. One temptation may be
to slip in a cup of coffee or soft drink during the day. However, stay strong
against this temptation. The bread and water will satisfy your basic needs even
if they do not bring the comfort of your favorite food or beverage.
Fasting Bread
Taken
from Sr. Emmanuels' book[9], "Healing and Liberation
Through Fasting".
This bread is very hearty and really sustains one who chooses to fast on bread
and water.
3
cups white flour
4 cups wheat flour
1 pkg dry yeast
1/2 cup of lukewarm water
2 cups of very hot water
1 beaten egg
1 Tablespoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Sugar or Honey
2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
1 teaspoon of butter
1 cup Raisins (or fresh apple peeled and cut)
1 cup Almonds or Walnuts
1 cup Plain Oats
In a
medium sized bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup lukewarm water. Cover with a plate
and wait a few minutes until bubbly. In a large bowl, combine the flours. Make
a well in the flour and add the yeast mixture. Mix a bit.
Reusing
the now empty medium bowl, combine Salt, Sugar, Butter, Oil, Raisins, Nuts, 1
beaten egg, and the two cups of very hot water. Pour this over the yeast
mixture. Mix/knead the dough, adding flour and or water as needed.
Knead
the dough until it comes clean from the bowl. Cover with a plate or towel and
let it rise ten minutes. (I often skip this step and the bread still tastes
fine) Knead it again until it has spring to it. Place in well-greased bowl and
cover, letting it rise until doubled in size, 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending
on room temp.
Form
into desired shapes. This will make two large or three medium loaves. Place in
greased pan. Brush the top with remaining egg (if you did not use it in recipe)
and sprinkle with sesame seeds, oats or poppy seeds, if desired.
Bake
at 375 degrees for 35 minutes, until done and golden brown.
Bread: Selecting
the proper fasting bread is crucial to a successful fast. Since the typical
bread we eat is processed and devoid of most nutritional value, I recommend the
bread made by the group, Live the
Fast. As a
bonus, if you are a priest, seminarian or religious, they will send you bread
free! Their bread is all-natural. They bake the bread, freeze it, and then ship
it to your home along with a booklet of fasting instructions. Once you receive
it, you place it in the freezer. On fast day, you take the bread out of the
freezer and heat it in the oven for a few minutes. The bread is
filling but austere; to give the one fasting the nutrition needed to complete
the day’s tasks and nothing more.
Prayer: While
you are heating up the bread, grab a notebook and write down your prayer
intentions for the day. Maybe a friend has lost a job, a relative is sick, or
someone has asked for your prayers. Keep the list with you and offer up prayers
for these people throughout the day. After the bread is finished baking, take
it out of the oven, say a prayer and then eat your first piece. As you go
throughout the day, look for extra opportunities to pray, especially during
mealtimes. Maybe you could attend daily Mass or stop to visit the Blessed
Sacrament during your lunch break. Intentional prayer during fasting helps
remind us that fasting is not purely an ascetical practice. We forgo food to
grow closer to God, not to show how tough we can be on our bodies. The hunger
we experience while fasting instills in us the truth that nothing in this world
can satisfy us but God alone.
Temptations: You
will undergo many temptations while you fast, so stay close to God in prayer.
One may be to boast to your friends about how great you are for fasting. Jesus
warned us in the Gospel that those kinds of people are hypocrites. The purpose
of fasting is to draw us closer to Christ, not draw others closer to us for our
own greatness. Another temptation may be free food. Just like during Lent when
meat becomes more available and appealing on Fridays, expect more temptations
to eat during the fast. A co-worker may offer you a snack or tell you about
some leftovers from a department’s lunch in the break room. Stay vigilant
against these temptations and focus your mind on other things. The less you think about food during the day,
the easier it will be to fast.
Breaking the Fast: End your fast day with a prayer.
Thank God for the day and then prepare a normal sized meal. The temptation can
be to gorge yourself with food after eating less during the day, but this is
not beneficial. Eat your meal slowly and mindfully. Thank God for the gift of
food and the grace he gave you to fast well. Just like any other habit, fasting
can be difficult to begin and you may want to quit. You will have days where
you fast well and others where you give into hunger easily. Do not be
discouraged but persevere! God has great graces for those who fast and will
help draw near to him those who seek him through the discipline of fasting.
“Fasting purifies the
soul. It lifts up the mind, and it brings the body into subjection to the
spirit. It makes the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of
desire, puts out the flames of lust and enkindles the true light of chastity.” (St.
Augustine)
Today is the Feast
of St. Bernadette Soubirous (New, Trad.)[10]:
- Crepes
for the Feast of St. Bernadette
- Blueberry
Muffins for Our Lady
- A
(Blue) French Meal for Our Lady of Lourdes
- A
Grotto for Our Lady
- Mary's
Immaculate Conception (An all-white dinner!)
Bible in a Year Day 231 The Valley of Dry Bones
Fr.
Mike explains the significance behind the mention of bones in Jeremiah and
Ezekiel. In Jeremiah, we learn that the bones of God's people are scattered
because of their worship of false gods. In Ezekiel, we see the prophet prophesy
over the valley of dry bones and the Lord’s Spirit restoring and moving within
them. Today’s readings are Jeremiah 8, Ezekiel 37-38, and Proverbs 14:33-35.
THE TREE OF HAPPINESS (Cont.)
“The situation is desperate”, King Richard mentioned to Sir
Michael. “The young knights have lost all self-discipline; they have no love or
sense of duty for the kingdom and most of the people never attend the churches
anymore.” King Richard didn’t mention it to Sir Michael, but his one desire was
to have his only daughter, “Dawn Tomorrow”, marry a Knight and see him Crowned
King and Dawn be a mother to a Great Nation. Richard was a religious King, but
due to the duties of his office he found it difficult to do much else then keep
his Knights in check. He wondered if anyone would be found worthy to take the
hand of Dawn Tomorrow in marriage. Utopia was a rich nation, and the pleasures
were many for all who could afford them. Even with heavy taxes being imposed,
most of the peasants in Utopia led lives of relative richness in material
things, but sadly most people lacked true happiness and so the King asked Sir
Michael for his advice. Sir Michael thought about it and thought about it and
could not come up with a solution to the problem. Then at last he came upon an
idea. A Quest! He remembered the legend his mother told him of when he was a
small boy. It was the legend of the Tree of Happiness. The Tree of Happiness,
according to the legend, was also in the Garden of Eden when God banned Adam
& Eve from Eden and although access to the Tree of Life was guarded by the
Angels, it is said that man may still have access to the fruit of the Tree of
Happiness. “That’s it”, Exclaimed Sir Michael. We will have a crusade to find
the Tree of Happiness and bring the fruit back to Utopia. To be continued.
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: Absent Fathers
(physically & spiritually)
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
