Lent  Holy Week  Easter

admonition to the Colossians: “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” In the coming year, put on gratitude daily.

Generosity

If we are to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, to be his hands and feet in the world, then we must remember that his life and death were supreme acts of grace and generosity. Our generosity is not confined to charitable donations. Also important is a generosity of spirit which allows us to heal and renew relationships, forgive trespasses, love more fully, and listen with our ears and our hearts. Looking both inward and outward, take time every day to determine where our generosity is most needed.

Sacrificial Love

If there’s anything we should have learned through Holy Week and Easter it is that Jesus’ love is selfless and sacrificial. We emulate that sacrificial love whenever we reach out to someone in need – whether it is a physical, spiritual or emotional need, recognizing that following Christ is truly counter-cultural and sometimes isolating. With today’s anti-religious sentiment, standing up for what we believe and proclaiming the need to respect every human life, from conception to natural death, may cost us in a number of ways. Pray for the courage to embrace sacrificial love whenever and wherever it’s needed.

Prayer

In the book of Lamentations, Scripture assures us, “The Lord’s acts of mercy are not exhausted, his compassion is not spent; They are renewed each morning – great is your faithfulness!” Consider a new prayer practice, beginning with the dawn of every new day. St. Cyprian offers this meaningful advice: “There should be prayer in the morning so that the resurrection of the Lord may thus be celebrated.” Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours is a good place to start for personal prayer. Consider praying with others in a parish prayer group or establishing one, if one doesn’t already exist.