“This is the way to become a new creation in Christ Jesus. The old way of being will pass away and we will be made new in Him.”
-2 Cor. 5:17-18
March 2020
Here at Women of Grace we are busy preparing for our upcoming events, additional webinars on insightful and inspiring topics, and a host of other outreaches to help us live our call as Catholics in the world today, none of which would be possible without your prayers and financial support. Please visit our website (womenofgrace.com) to find out all about our upcoming events, including our annual Women of Grace Retreat at Malvern Retreat House in July.
It’s hard to believe we are already closing in on the halfway mark of Lent. How would you evaluate your Lent thus far? It’s a good question to ask at the mid-way point. It’s never too late to adjust, begin again, or even start over should you need to.
Life being what it is, I have often found it beneficial to come up with a plan and a strategy to help me enter more deeply into the Lenten season. In years past, I have planned and strategized how to “give up” certain foods or treats (don’t buy them), activities and recreations (don’t go to them), habits and behaviors (don’t do them). One year I even gave up going to the mall (don’t drive by it). That was my longest Lent ever!
Along with the exclusions, I have often added a few inclusions: more time in prayer and study, going to adoration more frequently and performing additional acts of charity.
This year, I have devised a new plan centered around behaviors that start with “C,” as in Cross. Together, they are acting as a compass leading me through this holy season. The goal has been to implement some and eliminate others. I’ll leave it to you to figure out which is which!
Here are a few:
» Complain
» Collaborate
» Console
» Control
» Complete
» Carp
» Conciliate
» Carry On
In the end, the purpose is to advance in becoming what the cross is all about – LOVE. Recall that it was because of His love for us that God gave us His Son, and it was out of the Son’s love for us that the Son chose the Cross. Two passages from Scripture tell us as much: For God so loved the world that He gave His Only-Begotten Son, that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but have everlasting life John 3:16), and There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13).
As Christians, we are called to live Christ, to be His presence in the world, to be His love among men in all of the diverse circumstances, situations, and nuances of our daily lives. Jesus tells us:
This is my commandment: love one another love as I have loved you (John 15:12). And this, It was not you who chose me, it was I who chose you to go forth and bear fruit. Your fruit must endure… The command I give is this, that you love one another (John 15:16,17).
Both remind me of yet another passage. Given to us through St. Paul, this one shows us the way to love: Love is patient, love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, it is not snobbish. Love is never rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices in the truth. There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure … Love never fails … There are in the end three things that last: faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love (1 Cor. 13: 4-7, 8, 13). This is the way to become a new creation in Christ Jesus. The old way of being will pass away and we will be made new in Him (2 Cor. 5:17-18).
Lent is 40 days long. Researchers tell us it takes about six weeks to engage a new behavior. My hope is that implementation of my “C” words will help me overcome vices, grow in virtue, and better become Christ’s love in the world today.
It’s been a lofty goal to be sure, but why not think big for the Lord? We can never arrive at our destination if we never set off.
Let’s sojourn together through this holy time no matter or plan or strategy. Together we can do great things through the Lord!
As always, I faithfully remain…
A mother and daughter psychic team, who called themselves “white squaw Cherokee Indian” spiritual healers, have been jailed after bilking two clients out of more than a million dollars.
February 6
“Our Lord loves you and loves you tenderly; and if He does not let you feel the sweetness of His love, it is to make you more humble and abject in
your own eyes.”
-St. Pio of Pietrelcino
Today’s Reflection
What are your reactions to God’s love? Do you embrace it and accept it, regardless of whether you feel its sweetness? Or do you reject it when you do not feel its consolations? Spend some time letting God love you today, even if you do not feel it initially.
February 5
“Jesus does not say ‘no’ to the authentic demands of the heart, but only a clear, loud ‘yes’ to life, to love, to freedom, to peace and to hope. With Him no goal is impossible and even a small act of generosity grows and can lead to change.”
-St. John Paul the Great
Today’s Reflection
What are the demands of my heart? Are they demands that desire God’s will alone, or are they demands that have grown from my own desires to serve myself?
Every year around this time we get email from people who received jewelry for Christmas gifts that contain crystals or other gemstones and they’re worried about the superstitious uses of these stones. Is it safe to wear this jewelry? Should we give these gifts back?
February 4
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.”
-St. Teresa of Calcutta
Today’s Reflection
In my daily encounter with others, do I keep in mind the impact I can have on them? Do I strive to be an instrument for Christ’s love? Do people leave after an encounter with me striving to be “better and happier”?
February 3
“True love begins when nothing is looked for in return.”
-St. Therese of Lisieux
Today’s Reflection
In prayer today, ask God to show you where He is calling you to love more selflessly. How can you be more like Mary in loving others?
