Preparing for Easter

 

“Please, Lord, be with me at every moment and in every place.  Give me the strength and the courage to live this season faithfully, so that, when Easter comes, I will be able to taste with joy the new life you have prepared for me.  Amen.”  ~ Henri Nouwen

 

Lent is a season of spiritual preparation for Easter.  It begins on Ash Wednesday, 40 days prior to Easter.  Sundays are not included in the count.  Christians use this time to remember Jesus’ life, sacrifice, death, burial, and resurrection.  Some choose to fast, give up something, during this time, whether it be a food, beverage, habit or activity. 

 

Pope Francis Advice for Lent:

 

* Fast from hurting words and say kind things.

* Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

* Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

* Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

* Fast from worries and have trust in God.

* Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.

* Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

* Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.

* Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.

* Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

* Fast from words so you can be silent and listen.

 

May we each be intentional about preparing our hearts and lives during these days leading up to Easter.

 

 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

 

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8