What are you giving up for Lent this year?

Many tend to think of Lent as a period of giving up something. Most times, these may be things that may not mean much in terms of our spirituality and faith, such as chocolates and candy. The idea of giving and abstinence during Lent, is actually a form of cleansing and disciplining ourselves, by learning to conditioning our urges and desires in a way that leads us to greater union with God. It is by no means a form of oppression or suppression, but rather a way to free ourselves from unwanted and unhealthy desires and attachments. It is only when we let go of these unnecessary burdens can we rise higher in our spiritual life. Such acts of self-discipline should not be restricted to just the period of Lent, but throughout our faith journey. However, it is especially highlighted during this period because we want to love Jesus as He has loved us, through sacrificing.

I’ve learned through the years that giving up simple things like coffee and chocolate during Lent does not essentially make me a better person. Lent should not be a treated as a season to adjust to a healthy diet. Instead, I try to assess what material things I’ve been overly attached to and learn to give these up. Such things can be either food, games, a bad habit, etc. Also, I try to devote more time to do something good, like saying extra rosaries, reading a good religious book, learning a new devotional prayer.

This year I’ll be continuing my fight with the morning alarm. I’m going to try to wake up without hitting the snooze on my alarm clock. Discipline in terms of  time management is something I seriously need to work on. And let’s not forget my continuous battle with my quick temper. Haven’t figured out how I can work on the latter, but it’s definitely something I desperately need to get rid of.

For more information on the season of Lent, as well as fasting and abstinence during this season, visit ETWN’s mini-site.

Meanwhile, here’s a good commentary on Lent by Father Barron.

Just at this moment, my mom walks into the room, looks at the video I was viewing on the computer, and says “What’s that?” I told her this is the latest in ultrasound technology, and now people can see their babies up close and personal. With this, we can now see their expressions and movements in 3D. Then I showed her this video:

She was as amazed as I was! For a long long time, she thought that babies in the womb do nothing but sleep. Of course, back in those days when she was pregnant with me, there wasn’t any such stuff as ultrasound scans. Thanks to modern technology and YouTube, now she knows that babies can also suck their thumb, smile, laugh, rub their eyes, kick their legs, and much more.. all that while they’re in the mother’s womb!

Isn’t comforting to know that ALL of us, including Jesus, was once a helpless baby in the warm womb of our mothers.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.

- John 1:14

What biblical saint died and was buried twice?

Who was the first man that broke all Ten Commandments?

What biblical character killed one quarter of the population?

What prophet anointed two kings who lived simultaneously?

Born once, die twice; born twice, die once. What does it mean?

I saw this on LOLCats blog and thought it was pretty humorous and inspirational at the same time. If you look into Scripture, you’ll find that not only was Jesus “on top of the bookcase the whole time“, he has also existed since the beginning of time.

Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say to you, before Abraham was made, I am.

- John 8:58

-The Partridge in a Pear Tree was The Blessed Virgin Mary and The Christ Child.

-Two Turtle Doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French Hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The Four Calling Birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The Five Golden Rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The Six Geese A-Laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven Swans A-Swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit–Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The Eight Maids A-Milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine Ladies Dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit–Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The Ten Lords A-Leaping were the Ten Commandments.

-The Eleven Pipers Piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The Twelve Drummers Drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.

Read the entire post here.