All over the world for people who identify themselves as believers in the Christian faith this is the holiest season of the year, the season of Lent. The Lenten season is a period of forty days not including Sundays which begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes the day before Easter. Easter Sunday is the day Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave which is an essential belief of Christianity.
The forty days of Lent are observed as a time of introspection and self-denial reflecting upon the cost of salvation for Christian believers. Whether Christian or not, I commend the following advice Pope Francis has shared for Lent this year.
“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 trust in God.
“Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
“Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
“Fast from bitterness and fill your heart 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.”
Journeying Together,
Chaplain Gary