Having faith doesn't mean having no difficulties

"Having faith does not mean having no difficulties, but having the strength to face them, knowing we are not alone." - Pope Francis

While the Catholic Church prepares to elect a new leader, it is fitting to dwell on some of the wisdom from the late Pope Francis. His life was lived in obedience to Christ and although he was not perfect, he modelled for Christians the tricky dilemma of 'faith in action.' It is easy to speak about God and the things of faith, but to live them out sincerely is the true test of our obedience.

"The world tells us to seek success, power and money; God tells us to seek humility, service and love."

Romans 4:20 - "Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The Best Fasting

As we begin the season of Lent, on Ash Wednesday, it is always good to contemplate the invitation to fast. The practise of fasting is prevalent in the Bible, but it is something that seems to have fallen out of favour in the modern Church. 

Jesus would have fasted as it was a common Jewish practise at this time, but he did urge his disciples not to fast with wrong motives: We can read this in – Matthew 6:16 & 6:17 - “When you fast, don’t ….” 

As you think about what you may want to fast from this year, I offer you some other thoughts on Fasting - this time from Pope Francis. THE BEST FASTING:

• Fast on offensive words and transmit only sweet and tender words

• Fast on dissatisfaction and fill yourself with gratitude.

• Fast on anger and fill yourself with meekness and patience.

• Fast on pessimism and be filled with optimism

• Fast on worries and be filled with confidence in God

• Fast on laments and take pleasure in the simple things of life.

• Fast on stress and fill yourself with prayer.

• Fast on sadness and bitterness, and fill your heart with joy.

• Fast on selfishness, and be filled with compassion for others.

• Fast on unforgiveness and vendetta, and be filled with acts of reconciliation and forgiveness.

• Fast on words and fill yourself with silence and readiness to listen to others.

There is lots of food for thought in these words (excuse the pun :)

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Friendship in difficult times

 

The above quote has come up a few times this week and it is a poignant reminder that Holy Week is meant to draw us closer to Jesus and to reflect on the gift of the cross. However, it is also a beautiful opportunity for us to reclaim our friendship with God. Journeying through difficult times together is the true test of friendship.

John 15:13 - Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends

Living in Grace

D3LM3