When Pope Francis announced the Year of Mercy last April he said, “Wherever the Church is present, the mercy of the Father must be evident. Wherever there are Christians, everyone should find an oasis of mercy.” The Gospels for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent have vivid pictures of mercy. One more chance for the fig tree. A party for the sorrowful son, a reprieve for a sinful woman. Read the Sunday by Sunday reflections on mercy here and let God’s merciful love sink into your heart during the week.
Use any of the following Lenten practices that speak to you. Add color to your Lenten cross. Lent is half over! Easter is near.
There are only three weeks of Lent remaining. Easter is coming as sure as the earth is greening and flowers are poking up through the dirt. Take time this week to follow one or more of the Lenten practices below. Color your Lenten cross if you have downloaded one.
PLANT
- Treat yourself to a flowering plant or bulb that will flower soon.
- Make plans for a garden. Get a child to help you.
SIMPLIFY
- Forgive a debt.
- Remove three things from your living area – each day!
PRAY
- Thank God for all you have learned from a painful failure.
- Take a page of your address book and pray for everyone there.
READ
- Read chapter 1 of the book of Genesis. Spend the day complimenting God as you notice the “very good” work of creation around you.
- Look over the Seder supper. Gather a group of friends to celebrate a Seder meal.
FAMILY and FRIENDS
- Walk and talk with a grandchild or grandparent.
- Plan to send Easter cards.
PARTICIPATE
- Skip the Easter candy and give a flock on chicks to your children or grandchildren instead. Go to heifer.org to find out how to make this gift.
- Make an Easter gift to Catholic Charities.
Keeping Faith Today 