Even amidst the challenges of 2020, we are given countless opportunities to choose — like the author of Sirach describes — between fire and water, life and death. These three choices help me find life and contribute to life in small but meaningful ways.
When I consider Lent, the first question that comes to mind is “what should I give up?” Though abstaining from meat, chocolate, alcohol or one of life’s other pleasures certainly has the potential to make for a reflective 40 days, Lent is as much about giving as it is giving up.
As St. Augustine once explained, a Sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible grace. I may not think that Confession is a necessary prerequisite to receiving God’s forgiveness, but I do experience God’s grace through the Sacrament.
Not doing something that causes pain, sadness or even just irritation to another is human decency. Actively going out of your way to make some else’s burden lighter, life sweeter, and heart fuller — likely at your own expense — that is true generosity of the golden variety.
Being humbled is both a reminder that life isn’t meant to be lived tit for tat and an invitation to give to others that which they have not necessarily earned.
Just because I can’t imagine something doesn’t mean it can’t be so.
Teresa Coda 