"This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." Mk 7:6
Getting ready for a lifestyle change can be both unnerving and exciting. Our Capuchin Intranet recently alerted the friars of the New York/New England Province that five young men are applying for entrance into our Postulancy this August. Reading their names, I immediately started praying for them. While I am sure they are excited, I also know they will have some butterflies, especially if they have never lived in a large city. Our Postluancy is in Brooklyn, NY and although the neighborhood is safe, it can be intimidating. The population is largely working poor Latino, and the neighborhood, especially in August when they arrive, can be hot and loud at night with lots of street music.
Getting ready for a lifestyle change can be both unnerving and exciting. Our Capuchin Intranet recently alerted the friars of the New York/New England Province that five young men are applying for entrance into our Postulancy this August. Reading their names, I immediately started praying for them. While I am sure they are excited, I also know they will have some butterflies, especially if they have never lived in a large city. Our Postluancy is in Brooklyn, NY and although the neighborhood is safe, it can be intimidating. The population is largely working poor Latino, and the neighborhood, especially in August when they arrive, can be hot and loud at night with lots of street music.
Shrove Tuesday is a good day to pray for anyone making a lifestyle change. The day before Ash Wednesday is marked by celebrations and a certain anxiety. Because we are preparing ourselves for a penitential season that calls us to fast, pray, and give alms, we wonder if we are up to it. Will we try too hard to ready ourselves for Easter? Will we remember that Lent is a marathon not a sprint? Will other matters intrude into the spirit of Lent and distract us from who we are and where we are trying to go?
These questions, and the answers they imply, are good ones. Life doesn't happen in a day, but unfolds a day at a time. Taking enough time to focus of goals rather than accomplishments makes it possible for Lent to be a wonderful time of transformation and hope.
Today, enjoy an extra piece of chocolate or something you really enjoy and thank God for the gift of taste.
What most helps you make transitions in your faith life?
What most helps you make transitions in your faith life?
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