Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Today, I would like to share the thoughts of Fr. RB, OP.

It's the first day after Ash Wednesday, and we are already hit with a stark choice. This is not a choice about what particular item we are going to 'give up" but what kind of life we are going to live. That is a fundamental choice. What's more Jesus expresses it in terms of a daily cross! And it is not just for Lent! Yet Lent has a way of reminding us of fundamental choices.

I know many people who have daily crosses to bear that are considerable. They suffer much. They may be the sick person or the care giver! They may be the parent or the offspring. They may be the hungry, naked, imprisoned or other person in crisis. We don't need to tell them to pick up their cross, but to let Jesus help them carry it. Does "giving up" a favorite food or drink mean a cross? How about forgiving that one person we have never been able to forgive? How about coming to terms with the road rage or political rage? There are many crosses we can take up for Lent and beyond. The cross that hangs on our wall or in our church is not just decoration or symbol only, it is that invitation Jesus gives us today in the gospel. AMEN

Have a holy Lent.