Posts Tagged ‘Almsgiving’

The power of the corporal works of mercy at this time

Thursday, July 9th, 2020
mercy

I’ve been reflecting on Matthew 25: 31-40 — this is the story where the fallen ask Jesus, “When did we see you hungry?” and he replies that they ignored his presence in the least of their brethren. This new time of social distancing has made it difficult to see practically anyone — we don’t go Read more

Things to fast from this Lent apart from chocolate

Friday, February 12th, 2016

Chocolate, candy, and sweets are common Lenten sacrifices, but giving up the same thing every year can begin to feel like a routine rather than a sacrifice. Fasting should be a meaningful gesture of self-denial out of love for God. All the better if it helps us grow in self-control and deeper appreciation for various Read more

Rejoice, Jerusalem!

Tuesday, April 1st, 2014

The fourth Sunday in Lent, Laetare Sunday, is my favourite Sunday in Lent, and not just because of the pink vestments that insecure clergy sometimes attempt to convince you are “rose.” So many of the rich images, words, and themes that will recur at the Easter Vigil are hinted in the day’s readings and prayers — the Read more

Lenten simplicity

Friday, March 14th, 2014

Yesterday I read through one or two suggestions for Lent that left me reeling. I really don’t think Lent is about giving up or taking on more, as such; rather, it’s about seeking God with more intensity of focus than we manage at other times. To do that we need simplicity— and we have become Read more

Apps for Lent

Tuesday, March 11th, 2014

Looking for prayer and penance ideas for this year’s Lenten journey? Or a faithful guide and friendly reminder to practice virtue, do good works and read Scripture? Whatever you’re searching for to help you draw closer to Jesus Christ these 40 days of Lent, there’s an app to help you. “It’s a beautiful thing to Read more