Good morning,
2020 was a definite struggle for everyone affecting aspects of all of our lives to varying degrees, and flipping the calendar to the number 2021 obviously didn't change a whole lot.
These last few days have brought a new struggle/challenge to all of us as well. And today when many of us planned on and hoped to begin our Lenten journey at Mass receiving our ashes, we find ourselves at home due to circumstances beyond our control.
We have a choice though, in these difficult times (as we always do) concerning our faith...concerning our practice and participation in our Catholic Faith...a choice similar to that of the servants given talents by their master.
We may choose out of fear (or doubt, frustration, laziness, etc.) to bury our faith as the one servant did, or we can choose to invest in our faith in the master's absence, so that we may give back to our Lord even more than what we were entrusted with.
This season of Lent would be a perfect time to do just as the good servants did, giving back to the Lord with interest, and in return being given even more.
While giving up things and sacrificing in order to draw closer to God is always a good thing during Lent (and throughout the year), I think we've given up our share of things in the past year (whether by choice or not)...so maybe it's time to focus on doing more this season of Lent. Doing more for others (which is always good), but specifically doing more for our faith, which for many has been a struggle this past year.
Below are two links that will hopefully be helpful to those of you who want/need to do a little more to nurture and strengthen your faith and your relationship with God.
One has several versions of the Stations of the Cross, along with activities for kids.
The other link has many resources (for kids, adults, individuals, and families) to help make this Lenten journey fruitful.
May God bless you all,
jeff