February 23, 2009 - As Ash Wednesday sneaks up on us this week, today's lunchtime conversation turned to "What are you giving up for Lent?" with answers ranging from chocolate to snacks, caffeine, soda and video games.  For as many times as we hear the homily about it isn't always what you give up for Lent, it's about what you can do better, or what you can add to your spiritual life, we still often revert back to what we give up for Lent.

Beyond the sacrifice of the things we love how many of us also start out with noble efforts of a praying a daily rosary, attending daily Mass, adding a few more dollars to the collection basket, only to see these efforts wane as we reach day 27 or 28?  Sometimes I find it harder to add than I do to sacrifice. It's so easy to become distracted, to let the balance of life shift to far in one direction with the demands of family and work. I wish I knew what the secret is to making this Lenten thing work, especially when I remember Jesus'  suffering on the cross, and how small any sacrifices I make will seem.

As we approach Lent, here's a link to a resource page from the USCCB.  Check back for more Lenten reflections or links as we begin these 40 days.

Blessings, Sally