Lent ~ March 20

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Fast

"Don't get upset with your imperfections...It leads nowhere--to get angry because you are angry, upset at being upset, depressed at being depressed, disappointed because you are disappointed...Simply surrender to the power of God's love, which is always greater than our weakness" (St. Francis de Sales).

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Pray

Before you do anything else today, pray this prayer: "Lord help me to imitate Mary's deep humility, lively faith, blind obedience, unceasing prayer, constant self-denial, surpassing purity, ardent love, heroic patience, angelic kindness, and heavenly wisdom. Amen" (St. Louis de Montfort).

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Give

As you do laundry today, bless the person for whom you are folding. With every crease, offer a prayer.

Lent ~ March 19

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It's the Solemnity of St. Joseph!

Celebrate a little.

Sing and pray with the Church (Click on Morning Prayer):

The Lord is the giver of holiness. Let us turn to him and pray:
– Holy God, raise us up to new life in holiness.

Lord our God, you called our fathers in faith to walk before you in holiness of heart,
may we follow in their footsteps, and obey your command to be perfect.
– Holy God, raise us up to new life in holiness.

You chose Joseph the righteous to care for your Son in childhood and youth,
teach us to care for Christ’s body by caring for our brothers and sisters.
– Holy God, raise us up to new life in holiness.

You entrusted the earth to mankind, to people it and make it prosper,
inspire us to work wholeheartedly in this world, seeking always to give you glory.
– Holy God, raise us up to new life in holiness.

Father of all mankind, do not forget what your hands have made,
grant that all who work may have secure employment and a fitting standard of living.
– Holy God, raise us up to new life in holiness.

 

Hear the wisdom of the ages:

There is a general rule concerning all special graces granted to any human being. Whenever the divine favor chooses someone to receive a special grace, or to accept a lofty vocation, God adorns the person chosen with all the gifts of the Spirit needed to fulfill the task at hand... (to read the rest, click on "Office of Readings")

 

Lent ~ Sunday ~ March 18

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Fast

"He who cares for his salvation, cuts down on words, while he who gains repentance shuns talkativeness like fire." (St. John Climacus)

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Pray

O LORD, Master of my life, grant that I may not be infected with the spirit of slothfulness and inquisitiveness, with the spirit of ambition and vain talking. Grant instead to me, your servant, the spirit of purity and of humility, the spirit of patience and neighborly love. O Lord and King, grant me the grace of being aware of my sins and of not thinking evil of those of my brethren. For you are blessed, now and ever, and forever. (St. Ephrem)

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Give

Listen well today. Make sure that you talk far less than you listen. Be attentive. Make eye contact. Ask interested questions. Really hear what people are saying and let them know they are understood.

Lent ~ March 17

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Fast

Clean out the refrigerator today instead of eating lunch. Pull everything out and wipe it all down. Thank God for the food He provides for your family. As you put things back, listen to God's will for you as a homemaker.

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Pray

Give thanks for food, clothes, and shelter. Listen to God's plan for stewardship.

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Give

"The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty." (Blessed Teresa of Calcutta).

Assure the people in your home that they are wanted, loved, and cared for. Don't use words.