Dallineation

When I wasn't working from my home office or shoveling snow (we had our biggest snow storm of the season today – it's been a mild, dry winter and the snow was desperately needed) I was trying to think about the importance and solemnity of the day and reflect on Jesus Christ more than usual.

I fasted in the Catholic tradition, limiting my self to one meal and two small snacks, also abstaining from meat.

I have The Catholic Study Bible app on my phone and I read the daily mass readings there along with a video message and readings for Lent.

I've been praying a lot these days, but one thing I haven't done – which I plan to do before going to sleep – is offering a prayer to God with my intentions for Lent.

I thought about going to Mass today at 5pm but I chickened out. I came up with every excuse not to go: the roads were unsafe due to the snow storm, I hadn't told my wife I wanted to go, I have never been to my local parish and I felt apprehensive about going alone, I don't even know what to do at Mass on Ash Wednesday, etc.

I know I need to visit my local parish, though. Go to Mass and become acquainted with the people and ministries there. I feel inexplicably drawn theologically and intellectually to Catholicism but I need to learn more about the spiritual practices and community.

I did manage to stick to my plan and avoid Twitch and non-religious/faith-promoting/uplifting video entertainments. I don't think I mentioned in yesterday's post that I also wanted to reduce my consumption of news. I don't want to be completely out of the loop, but I also don't want to check the news multiple times throughout the day, as I am certain it has a negative impact on my mental health. I managed to stick to that part of the plan today, too.

For some entertainment I started reading Patrick Stewart's memoir “Make It So” and am finding it fascinating. I grew up watching “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and have always admired Stewart as an actor. He has had a full and interesting life and certainly there are lessons to be learned from his story.

I listened to a couple podcast episodes. One podcast I recently subscribed to is called “The God Minute” which shares daily Catholic devotionals. Today's episode invited us to take some time in our daily prayers during Lent to mention one thing we are grateful for (recognizing the blessings in our life) and one thing we are sorry for (recognizing where we have fallen short and can do better). I'm going to try that.

Discuss...

#100DaysToOffload (No. 131) #faith #Lent #Christianity