The Gospel challenges us to Pray, Fast and Give Alms. Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Sister Kathleen Murphy shares this Lenten Gospel reflection.
Outside the doors of chapel, you will see symbols to remind us of this threefold challenge given to help us prepare our hearts and minds for the glory of Easter. You will see:
A Bible
We are to pray. What can we do to fill in the gaps in our prayer? Do I take time to do spiritual reading regularly? Might I plan to reflectively read one of the Gospels or one of the New Testament letters over the next 40 days?
A Dish of Rice
We are to fast. We have a communal rice bowl day each week. If I choose to fast from food or drink, might I take time to consider why I do it or why this will be helpful to my growth in holiness? Might I consider fasting from some unproductive or unhealthy activity?
A Clock
We are to give alms. Since we give monetarily through the actions of our General Administration, and since our resources are limited by our vows, what can we do to give alms? We can give of our most valuable possession-our time. There are actions we can do that challenge us to give up our own plans for our time to make the needs of others a priority. We can choose to give our time simply to listen to others and give them full attention. We can use our personal talents to help meet the needs of those around us.
When we see these symbols outside chapel, let us be reminded and challenged to meet Jesus’ Gospel challenge.
