“Brothers and sisters, Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God”. 1 Cor 10:31—11:1
Lent is quickly approaching, if you can believe it! Not much will be different this year, with the exception that distribution of Ashes will take place in your living room. There is something intimate about being able to give a loved one Ashes on their forehead. Whether it be a spouse, child, or roommate being that close, vulnerable, and humble is a warm way to begin our forty days of praying, fasting, and giving.
Our second reading for this weekend prepares us for our forty day journey with Christ this year.
Brothers and sisters, Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
The whole purpose of Lent is to walk with Christ. We shed our excesses and we get down to the most basic of needs and wants. If you know or ever read Jen Hatmaker's original copy of Seven, it is the perfect example of really relying on Jesus during Lent. In the updated version, now titled Simple and Free, Jen Hatmaker and her family, rely on seven items of everything they need. Seven pieces of clothing, seven pieces of food, seven places they can go to, and so much more. She wanted to get herself and her family to a place where they no longer relied on excess items in their life. It is extreme; I tried one Lent and failed miserably. With the updated version, I will give it another go this year, but the root of it is our second reading from Paul to the Corinthians asking us if whatever we eat or drink or do, that we do with the glory of God at hand.
While there have been blessings and curses during COVID, this one could be great for our Lenten promises of giving and fasting. One of the stores or places you frequent, be it local or national chain, keeps those employees in their jobs. It gives them something to look forward to each day and we are able to give to them. While we may be fasting from something else, we are still able to give to others. There is always a give and take, but being intentional and doing with God in mind makes it so much better for the world we live in.
We have about a week to decide our Lenten promises of giving, fasting, and praying, so I urge you to sit with this passage from Paul and see what God is calling you to do, to give, and to humble yourself to those in your life and the greater world. Remember whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.
Join us on Sunday afternoons from 4-5pm to discuss Parenting from the Inside Out. We meet every other week.
Our next session is Sunday, February 14 from 4-5pm and we will be discussing Chapters 2 and 3: How we perceive reality: Constructing the stories of our lives and How we feel: Emotion in our Internal and Interpersonal Worlds.
Feb
14
Sunday Parenting Book Discussion Group
Join us every other Sunday 4-5pm as we read different books to be better parents!
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Join us in Live Mass from St. Austin webpage!!!
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Daring Greatly Lenten Book Discussion
This year Lenten's Book Discussion with Director of Faith Formation Rachel Vaughn will be walking prayerfully through Brene Brown's Daring Greatly. During the season of Lent when we are called to give, pray, and fast Daring Greatly will open up our eyes and heart to view the world in a more vulnerable and compassionate way as Jesus did in his ministry.
Prayer for a Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart … I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.
We will lead an on-line discussion over the Lenten season, on Tuesday's beginning February 16 and ending on Tuesday, April 6. We will skip Tuesday, March 16 for Spring Break. Time will be 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Please register and get the zoom link at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d49acae2fa5fb6-daring
Please register and get the zoom link at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d49acae2fa5fb6-daring
All are welcome!
On Sunday, December 27, 2020, Bishop Joe Vasquez is asking us to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the Inauguration of the Year of the Domestic Church in the Diocese of Austin.
Throughout the next year, we will focus on twelve monthly themes with accompanying resources. No matter whether your household is a home of one person or a family of many, we are all called to bear witness to and share the Gospel with our families and within our households. These monthly themed items will be ready to for parishes to utilize, implement or share on the first Monday of the previous month.
May we experience the merciful love of God throughout the next year as we grow in faith in our household, personal and parish family.
Throughout the next year, we will focus on twelve monthly themes with accompanying resources. No matter whether your household is a home of one person or a family of many, we are all called to bear witness to and share the Gospel with our families and within our households. These monthly themed items will be ready to for parishes to utilize, implement or share on the first Monday of the previous month.
May we experience the merciful love of God throughout the next year as we grow in faith in our household, personal and parish family.
The International Catholic Bible Summit is going to show you how the word of God, through the Bible, is the go-to source for answers to our real questions. From parenting, family issues, and spirituality to Bible basics and apologetics, there are talks for everyone.
And the best part is – IT’S FREE!
And the best part is – IT’S FREE!