Fasting – in the Words of Pope Francis

Our Holy Father has compiled a wonderful way of practicing fasting this Lent; here’s what he proposes:

Fast from hurting words and say kind words. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. Fast from anger and be filled with patience. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope. Fast from worries and have trust in God. Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity. Fast from pressures and be prayerful. Fast from bitterness and fill you hearts with joy. Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others. Fast from grudges and be reconciled. Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

A Life-Giving Emmaus Retreat
After a two-year hiatus, the Emmaus retreat returned last weekend, and it was a life-giving experience for candidates and team alike. Uncertainty and postponements marked our attempts to hold the retreat in 2021 and early 2022, but the Holy Spirit spurred us on to persevere and welcome 46 candidates who were served by a dedicated team of teens, young adults, and adults. The entire weekend went off without a hitch, and more importantly, everyone grew closer to Christ. I am grateful to all who gave generously of their time and talent to make the weekend a transforming God-centered event!

Praying for Ukraine
Some folks across the world are stopping what they are
doing at the same time every evening (7pm in the US) to pray
for one minute. They pray for peace, for the security of every
country in the world, for an end to problems that oppress and
suppress, and for God to guide the decisions of rulers.

Pray every day for peace, for the people of the Ukraine, for
all people who are the victims of violence of every kind. I came
across this prayer that was offered last week by a city official at
a public meeting in the U.K. I think it speaks beautifully about
God, our purpose, and the desire for peace.

May we see the day when war and bloodshed cease,
when a great peace will embrace the whole world. Then
nation will not threaten nation, and humanity will not again
know war. For all who live on earth shall realize we have not
come into being to hate or to destroy. We have come into
being to praise, to labor, and to love. Compassionate God,
bless the leaders of all nations with the power of compassion.

Fulfill the promise conveyed in Scripture:

I will bring peace to the Land.

And you shall lie down, and no one shall terrify
you.

I will rid the Land of vicious beasts.

And it shall not be ravaged by war.

Let love and justice flow like a mighty
stream.

Let peace fill the earth as the waters fill the sea.
Amen.

May Christ’s peace reign in your hearts, your homes, and in the world.