From Our Associate Pastor
Recently, someone asked me whether it is alright to replace the Lenten fasting requirements with other deeds like prayers or works of charity. I was reminded of the rich young man who came to Jesus and asked him what he must do to gain eternal life (Matthew 19:16-30).
The young man told Jesus that he already did everything listed in the Ten Commandments. But then Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect, go sell what you have and give the money to the poor, and follow me.”
Every Lent, we can be too preoccupied with the rules, as if we want to just do the bare minimum in order to fulfill the requirements. This is not a very useful attitude. The question should not be, “What MUST I do?” but “What CAN I do more?” More than just the requirements. More than just the minimum. I invite you to explore other activities you can do for Lent, in addition to the required fasting. Some ideas:
Come to our Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent
Discern a parish ministry that you can start joining this year
Take home one of the CRS (Catholic Relief Services) Rice Bowl and get your whole family to participate
Join the 40 Days for Life (https://www.40daysforlife.com/en)
Try “Greener Lent” (https://greenerlent.org)
Every Lent we remember in a special way the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. How are you called to respond to such love from a God who was willing to even sacrifice his own life for us? What can you do this Lent?
Peace and all good, Fr. Sam Nasada, OFM
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