Every Mass, like in the first reading (DT 26:4-10), we offer the “fruits” of our labor as an expression of thanksgiving and sacrifice to God. Beyond the bread, wine, and monetary contributions, our presence at Mass is an offering of ourselves to God and a sign of our deep desire to be an instrument of God.

As we see in the Gospel (LK 4:1-13), this is not an easy endeavor. Like Jesus, we must rebuke the temptations of wealth, power, and glory and choose the true path to salvation. A path of action, rooted in the teachings of Christ and maintained by compassion and love to one another, including ourselves. It comes with relentless external and internal challenges that even the Saints found tiring and unbearable at times.

Let us take this Lenten season to slow down and be kind to ourselves. GIVE yourself the gift of time. Time to renew and reflect on where you have been and where you are going. FAST from your fears, doubts, and persistent self-judgment that squawks from within. Make a choice to accept and love yourself as God accepts and loves you. PRAY for fortitude, courage, guidance, and understanding while on the path to salvation.

When Lent is over, rise-up renewed and energized and continue on the path. Invite and welcome all to join you as Jesus did. Be an instrument of God to serve and advocate for the marginalized. Be compassionate and merciful. Be one who embraces diversity. Be who God created you to be! Fear not my brothers and sisters for you are supported and loved by God and your Newman family. Go out and stay on the Mission! The Mission that God is calling you to be on!

– David Vacchi

“If you honor [the sabbath] by not following your ways, seeking your own interests, or speaking with malice–Then you shall delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth.” -Is 58:13-14

Today’s Gospel tells the story of Levi, who gets called to lay everything behind him and follow Jesus. Every time I hear this story, I get inspired to do just as Levi did, but then I look at everything I have, want, and do, and I can’t bring myself to leave any of it. It’s so daunting to give up everything, to offer it up to God, every single day… for the rest of my life??? When the things I love conclude, I already feel empty, lost, and lonely. But in today’s reading from Isaiah, I feel God calling me to take the first step. If I can honor God for just one day a week, put aside my selfish interests, maybe eventually I can put aside my worries about my career, friendships, identity, desires, and future, and trust that what God has in store for me is good.

“O Lord, please help me to honor you. To lay down myself for you one step at a time.”

– Anonymous