Let us pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis: For the repose of his soul; That his successor would share his tender and compassionate act; and For all the faithful who have known him as a pastor and father. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,and let perpetual light shine upon him.May the souls of…
Lenten Meditation: Penitential Fish Fries?
Fish fries are common throughout Catholic parishes in the United States during Lent. If you are unaware of what these are, the parishioners gather, generally on a Friday, and have a meal of fried fish. These events are entirely in keeping with the letter of canon law, but I would submit to you that they are not always, or even usually, in the spirit of the law.
Lenten Meditation: Seeking First the Kingdom
St. Thomas Aquinas says that "we have recourse to fasting in order that the mind may arise more freely to the contemplation of heavenly things" (ST, II-II, Q147, A1) . . . That is where our treasure should be laid, where our efforts should be directed, where our hearts should rest. [But] if we intend to benefit more fully from this holy season of Lent, then merely fasting is not enough. It is not enough to turn away from our worldly attachments. We must, in addition, turn toward God. It is not enough to renounce the worldly kingdoms we build for ourselves. We must also "seek first the Kingdom of God" (Mat. 6:33).
Lenten Meditation: Mortifying the Flesh
Lent therefore, is an extended exercise of self-control. It is a marathon in which we exercise the spiritual muscle of saying "No." Throughout this holy season, therefore, we have a wonderful opportunity to master our appetites and mortify the flesh.
Faith and Reason 