Pope Leo’s Lenten message, Listen, fast from harsh words, together.

16 February.  SEE: Paula shared, “I remember in the “good old days” parish missions focused strongly on sin, hell and damnation and the need for repentance.  We would even be quite fired up to mend our ways. Recently when my husband and I attended the parish mission we talked about how interesting it was that it now it was much more about joy.   Joy is something Pope Francis keeps on talking about constantly, even joy in your trials. I like that idea but it is certainly not easy so with Lent coming up soon we decided to make a point of looking for joy everywhere, especially in the world around us.   

JUDGE, reflect and share.  Scripture:  Count it all joy my brethren when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  James 1:1-11.  Pope Francis:  Loving another person involves the joy of contemplating and appreciating their innate beauty and sacredness which is greater than my needs.  This enables me to seek their good even if they cannot belong to me.   AL127.    Pope Leo: Education has always been one of the highest expressions of Christian charity.  “Yours is a mission full of obstacles as well as joys, a mission of love, because you cannot teach without loving.   For the Church, teaching the poor was an act of justice and faith.   DT 67.      

ACT AND PRAY:  Decide on possible appropriate action in seeking the joy of mission as you prepare for Lent.   Conclude with prayer.