Pastoral Reflection for the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, And March 5th, Ash Wednesday
Shine like lights in the world.”
This Sunday closes the post-Epiphany Ordinary Season and prepares us for the new Season of Lent. Each of today’s readings calls us to self-reflection and awareness of our critical eye toward others. Jesus suggests that we might want to be mindful of the plank in our own eye before we go after the specks in other people’s eyes. Perhaps with the popularity of social media and the polarization in TV and Radio media, our culture has become somewhat more meanspirited. Disciples of Jesus are called to be different in this world and not merely to imitate worldly ways. We are called to be light amidst darkness, love in the presence of hate, hope in the presence of despair, and merciful where healing is needed. As one season closes and another begins, let the ashes we wear on March 5th be a sign of our change of heart toward ourselves and a sign to the world of the mercy of the Lord.
Call to Action
Many people who might otherwise not be attending church during Lent return to church for this season. Be a welcoming parish and a sign of God’s mercy and love. Use your GC SmartText and Email to welcome and capture the contact information of Lenten visitors.
- Broadcast the times of your Penance Services and healing masses using your GC SmartTools, like GC SmartText and Email.
- This Sunday, encourage families to develop a Lenten Calendar with events and family practices they can do together. The three traditional practices of Lent include prayer, fasting, and alms-giving (giving for the needs of the poor). Their family calendar can consist of the days they will focus, as a family, on each of these practices.
- If you haven’t sent a GC SmartGive email for Sunday since the New Year, the 1st Sunday of Lent, March 9, would be a great time to do it.
- Did you know that pretzels originated in Lent? Italian monks made a dough from simple flour, water, and salt, twisted it to make three holes representing the Trinity, and baked them as a simple snack to keep up their energy when fasting. Making your own Lenten pretzels could be a great family experience! There are many pretzel recipes available online. However, if it will be a Lenten pretzel, keep it simple. Adding chocolate, sugar, beer, cheese, and the like will defeat the purpose!
If you have questions or need help using these great GC SmartTools, you can find help in the Knowledge Center on your GiveCentral dashboard or contact Teresa Meyer at teresa@givecentral.org. Also, watch for our upcoming webinars!
