Hope in chaotic times - Lent week 1

• Fast from hurting words and say kind words

• Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

• Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

• Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

• Fast from worries and have trust in God.

• Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.

• Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

• Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.

• Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.

• Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

• Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

(Source: USCCB.org)

Dear Friends,

As we enter the season of Lent, we are called to embrace three core practices: fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. The list above is attributed to Pope Francis, and beautifully intertwines fasting and almsgiving in a way that goes beyond the traditional sacrifices of food, alcohol, or spending habits. Instead, it invites us to fast from words and actions that harm ourselves and others and, in their place, to offer something life-giving—a kindness, a generosity of spirit, a moment of grace.

As I read through this list, I can’t help but think what a profound and transformative Lent it would be if we truly committed to just to this list. What a difference it would make in our own hearts and in the lives of those around us. In fact, I’m going to write this list out and put it on my refrigerator as a daily reminder, challenging myself to see how many of these I can live out over the next 40 days.

The third practice of Lent, prayer, deepens our relationship with God. While the list above primarily focuses on how we engage with ourselves and others, prayer calls us into an intimate, honest, and loving connection with God. Like any relationship, this one must be nurtured daily.

It asks us to set aside time, to be open, vulnerable, and real with God—to come as we are, knowing that we are fully seen, fully known, and still completely loved. For many of us, accepting that unconditional love can be difficult, especially if we carry past regrets or struggles. But it is the very foundation of our faith: that God loves us not despite our imperfections, but simply because we are His.

I encourage you, as I do each time I write this newsletter, to find a quiet moment in your day to talk with God. It doesn’t have to be formal or structured—just sincere.

I cherish my morning prayers over my first cup of coffee, but I’ve also prayed in my car, while kneeling beside my bed, or even in the shower. The important thing is that we do it daily, with an open heart, allowing God’s love to meet us right where we are.

And so, we begin our first week of Lent. May we move forward with fasting, almsgiving, and prayer, each in our own way, and may this season draw us closer to God and to one another.

God bless you, and I look forward to sharing this journey with you again next week.

With love,

Suzanne

P.S. What I’m reading, listening to, or watching this week:

On YouTube: Journey through Lent with Father Boniface Hicks, OSB brought to us by the Word on Fire Institute. I HIGHLY recommend this short 20-minute video, the first in a weekly Lenten series. It’s not just for Catholics or Christians, it’s for everyone.

Two books, both by Fr. Boniface Hicks. I started reading them last night, they’re both terrific: 1) Personal Prayer: A Guide for Receiving the Father’s Love, 2) The Hidden Power of Silence in the Mass: Encountering Christ in the Liturgy

And for fun, I am an avid reader of traditional mysteries. Currently reading: Close to Death by Anthony Horowitz, and listening to The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny.