Relay Kickoff, Ash Wed, Love (Gen 2:7) by Sr. Francelle

14 Feb Relay Kickoff, Ash Wed, Love (Gen 2:7) by Sr. Francelle

Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. ~ Gen 2:7
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Reflection: I look forward to the season of Lent because I know so many are going to get closer to Jesus. Lent prepares us for the greatest feast of all the year, the Resurrection, Easter Sunday! Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for forty days, in memory of Jesus’ forty day fast in the desert. The ashes we receive on our foreheads remind us, “we came from dust and unto dust we shall return.” Saying “no” to ourselves in small things, such as giving up sweets, refraining from expressing our opinion, having the last word, needing to be “right” always, not complaining, not blaming, etc., these all get us into the habit of “dying to self” – then, when something bigger comes along, such as saying “no” to sin, we can conquer. If we wish to follow Jesus, we have no choice except to deny ourselves because Jesus said, “Unless you deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciples.” I know a family, who decided each member would do something kind each day during Lent, then at the evening meal, they share what they have done.  As we walk the way of the cross with Jesus, may our hearts be transformed this Lent.
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Challenge: For Lent, let’s take on or give up something out of love for our awesome God.  For Valentine’s Day, love others by giving of yourself.  Sacrifices demonstrate love. *** Today!  Sign up to run/walk a few 5K legs of the A-Cross America Relay for Pro-Life!, even remotely in your neighborhood (Feb 14th to Mar 25th).
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Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion. “Dear Heavenly Father, as we live this Ash Wednesday, may the crosses of ashes that mark our foreheads be a reminder to us and to those we meet that we belong to your Son.  Amen.” ~ author unknown
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Inspiration: “The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.” ~ C.S. Lewis
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All In Christ for Pro-Life!,
Sr. Francelle