Colleen Musgrave

Here we are again in the beginning of lent. A time to think and reflect on our lives and how we live them. Far to often we get so busy that we forget to take the time for the things that are most important. Maybe that's why we have lent, in 6 short weeks, many of us try to change and concentrate more on our faith or lack of it. Some of us decide that during lent we will attend daily Mass. Some give up sweets, pop, chocolate, in between meal snacks. A friend of mine said that she really wanted to give up smoking, for the rest of her life, she has tried many times and this time she hoped that she could. This will take a day by day commitment. That is how it is with most things that we do. Everything does not happen in a day, but takes our commitments day by day to make them happen. We need to concentrate on changing ourselves, and always ask Christ to help us, no matter what it is. He wants us to ask Him anything and He will hear and answer our prayer.

Sometimes I think that we focus too much on what we think that we should give up during lent. Instead maybe we should focus on how we can change ourselves and be Christ for others. Read Isaiah 58: 6-8. Actually you can read all of Isaiah 58, but really take to heart verses 6-8, this is what Christ asks of us. Let this lent be one where you reach out to others, humbling yourself, and serving Christ and His people, I think that you will find in doing so, you will have a very fulfilling and rewarding lent.

A smile, a good morning, a complement, could be all it takes to brighten someone's day, make an extra effort this lent to fast on unpleasant remarks or actions. Feast on building up the people that you see, live and work with each day. With each new day, ask Christ to help you to be His instrument of peace during this Lenten season. Remember, you will be treated the same way that you treat others, think about it. Take it one day at a time.
+Peace - Colleen Musgrave

Now I would like to share with you an article that was given to me from Sr. Mary Jo Zacher, it was in the March 96 issue of the Searcher Newsletter, and it is worth printing again.

Fast from judging others Fast from bitterness
Feast on Christ dwelling in them Feast on forgiveness

Fast from words that pollute Fast from self-concern
Feast on phrases that purify Feast on compassion for others
 
Fast from pessimism Fast from anger
Feast on optimism Feast on patience

Fast from complaining Fast from discouragement
Feast on appreciation Feast on hope
 
Fast from idle gossip Fast from worry
Feast on purposeful hope Feast on prayer