Last Week

I have read a lot of notes or blogs from friends and strangers about Lent. And they inspired me a lot... knowing that the sacrifice of Lent is not just a tradition but a spiritual journey of any individual. And yes it is a challenge! Never a competition or requirement but a voluntary giving of one's time and effort for a rewarding spiritual bliss. Some would say they would cry happily while others would stress peaceful bliss. Ironic yes but one same "walk with Jesus Christ".  Enlightening! 

My first week of Lent was a challenge. I found it hard to make my calendar of sacrifices and abstinence. Sorry but I cheated on some days like adjusting the days for convenience. I know... not a good one. Such a sinner, such frailty! Not proud of it. To avoid cheating, I printed 3 weeks of it so that no more changes can be made. My conscience will taunt me if I will even try. So I hope there will be no more excuses for me. Jesus didn't cheat and make any excuses on His Death for us all. He did it with the fullness of love, willingness, and humility. 

It was not just the beginning of Lent last week but also the Cry of Japan. Travis and I have always longed to visit this once-prosperous  and proud country. Now it stays as a dream... What happened? What is happening? No one can answer because no one can predict nature's rage or joy. Let this be an eye-opener for us all... that our lives are not on the palms of our hands. From dust you came so from dust you become. 

So live, love, laugh, and cry...

My 40 Days

Inside the Church, I noticed that our Parish Priest lectured us about the Readings which are mainly about fasting... like it is not by appearance but it should be within us. It was kinda literal though. It is not that I am against Fr. Mocio. In fact, I love listening to his homilies. But, today is a very special day. Is it because almost everyone seem to be eager to "get on with it and just mark us with that ash"? Or is it because the Ash is the focal point here and not the meaning of it? I hope neither. 

I am not a saint and in fact, I was a lapsed Catholic 4 years ago. For me, the Ash is the symbol or the mark of the Acceptance (of the start) of our Penance or Repentance. We are all sinners. And the season for cleansing is already here and we need to embrace it by making some sacrifices or abstinence.

Isn't it amazing that it is almost Spring? The season of new beginnings and growth. Spring cleaning is not only in our yards, houses, or offices. It is also the cleansing of our souls... the regrowth or maintenance of our faith. 

I have read a nice blog that gave me an inspiration and motivation to make my 40 days my new religious tradition, my new Christian journey with Jesus Christ and others. Have you decided what you'll sacrifice for this time leading to Easter (40 days)? Because of Kathleen See's blog I was able to come up with a Lent calendar. It will be my pledge, my guide for the sacrifices that I can offer for Jesus Christ and others. I hope I can inspire you to do the same. 

Let us start making our own Easter Tradition!