Forty days to go deeper.

Apparently it takes 21 days to confirm a new habit and 42 days to make it a lifestyle.

What new, or re-newing, lifestyle would best help your current walk with the Lord?

What might help you to go deeper in a relationship with him?

LENT.

A few weeks without chocolate.
And maybe alcohol.
A few weeks of abstinence.
Of giving up things we like.

Or maybe for Lent this year - just giving up.

Hurry up, Easter. And spring. And chocolate eggs.

But maybe there's another way.
A way of feasting as well as fasting.

A way of drawing near to the Lord in and through it all.

FASTING & FEASTING
Fast from a gloomy outlook on life
Feast on what is bright and cheerful.

Fast from always being right
Feast on seeing another's point of view.

Fast from always pointing out differences
Feast on what unites us all.

Fast from words that pollute
Feast on those that purify.

Fast from complaining
Feast on appreciation.

Fast from self-pity
Feast on goodness in others and self.

Fast from self-concern
Feast on going out to others.

Fast from overdoing
Feast on time for prayer.

Fast from worry
Feast on God's love.

(Father Kerry: Our Lady Queen of Angels
bulletin Lenten Reflection: Feb 2010.)

Come swiftly O Lord, to the dark moments when we are lost.
Make us aware of your presence.
Strengthen us to resist the urges and pulls to deeper darkness.
Stir us to move away from the dark moments of sinfulness
towards the light of your forgiveness.
Come quickly O Lord as we call – or forget to call – and
keep close to us and keep us close to you this day and night,
and as far as the days and nights stretch before us.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.