Lenten Reflection Day 20

“Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Mt 17:20. If we but have the smallest amount of faith, Jesus tells us, we will be able to move mountains. What are mountains? They are those overwhelming obstacles we all face that weigh us down and challenge us (addictions, illness, financial struggles, relationship problems, etc.). It is during these experiences of life, that we are invited to take up our cross and follow Jesus. His faith in the Father allowed him to walk the road of Calvary ever hopeful of the good that would come of His sacrifice and death. “If God sends you many sufferings it is a sign that He has great plans for you, and certainly wants to make you a saint.” St. Ignatius of Loyola. “The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Suffering is a great paradox. Our physical bodies despise it, the culture we live in denies it, and yet God tells us to expect it and that through it we too will be transformed into something great. Believing in this transformation requires faith. Cultivating this great virtue takes daily commitment. Like most things, the more we practice deepening and strengthening of our faith, the better equipped we will be to putting it into practice.
CHALLENGE: Rev. David Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay and contributor to The Cardinal Newman Society shares some ides to help us increase our faith and make the most out of this Lenten season. While not all of these will be doable for all of us, see what may apply to you, what will challenge you the most, or an area you can improve upon and accept the call. Let us come to the Easter celebration this year with a gift for our Lord, our own increased faith in Him.
1. Participate in Mass. 2. Go to confession. 3. Learn about the lives of the saints. 4. Read the Bible daily. 5. Read the documents of the church. 6. Study the Catechism. 7. Volunteer in ministry. 8. Invite a friend to Mass. 9. Incorporate the Beatitudes into daily living.
Blessings to You and Yours!