"Father in heaven, the love of your Son led him top accept the suffering of the cross that his brothers and sisters might glory in new life. Change our selfishness into self-giving. Help us to embrace the world you have given us, that we may transform the darkness of its pain into the life and joy of Easter. Amen."
We started memorizing this prayer as a family as part of our morning prayer together. It jumped out at me on the cover of a parish bulletin last year. I kept it and really love that we are using it this year!
We have really been inspired by the focus our new parish has placed on Lent: A Season to Change Our Hearts. For the sake of the world, we need to grow close to the Lord in actions, words, thoughts, etc. We like how this focuses not just on ourselves, but more on how we can change in order to work with the Lord in building His kingdom. One way the church encourages this is through small slips of paper we can take home with us after church each week. This week's call is to "Call to mind those who have hurt me and pray for them each day. Jesus exhorts us to pray for our enemies. When we do, we should pray not to change them but simply for their well being. It is almost impossible to bear ill will for someone we have remembered in prayer.
We also got a small box from Lumen Christi to place on our dining room table so we can donate money we save from simpler meals to go towards our sister parish in Chimbote, Peru. These funds will cover some costs for an elementary school there.
All in all, a good start to Lent: more purposeful, more focused, and more participatory.
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