Nearing the end of the first week of the Easter season, I have a question. Have we changed or will we slip back into “indifference” that Pope Leo and Pope Francis wrote and spoke about? Christ experienced transformation, but were we transformed?
Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are meant to bring us closer to God and families and communities.
In prayer, I calmed myself to truly hear God’s voice and what I am to do with my life. Discern how I should use my gifts. Education and knowledge are not meant for me alone, but for the service of others. Start each day, asking and listening to the Holy Spirit, “How am I to use my gifts today?”
Fasting, I fasted from Facebook posting and being judgmental of others. Fasting from Facebook posting, I realized how reactive social media made me. Likes and new Facebook friends do not replace face to face dialogue and communication. Love and understanding come from human and spiritual relationships.
Almsgiving is not only giving money or items to a charity or person, but it can also be giving of yourself or both.
About a month ago, I was leaving the local grocery store and a woman as sign – “My 4 children and I need help. We have no food” standing at the parking lot entrance. Initially I was indifferent; I got in my car and drove away. My soul tugged at my heart and I turned around. I parked my car and walked over the woman. “What is your story,” I inquired.
By asking that question, we began to dialogue. She and her children were refugees from Central Europe, and her husband was still in Central Europe. We shared a common faith – Christianity. She was Orthodox and I was Catholic. My neighbors are Serbian Orthodox Christians. In 2022, I visited St. Irene Byzantine Catholic Church similarities with Orthodox rites and beliefs. We had a connection of shared faith and humanity.
As we parted, we blessed each other. I gave her some money and suggestions on who to contact for long-term help. A tenuous Relationship Through my listening to my soul, and her story.
HIS IS RISEN AND TRANSFORMED! BE TRANSFORMED!
Peace,
John Kingery