Great recommendations and an important reflection for today! For those who aren’t Catholic, it may come as a surprise that there is a ‘Pre-Lent’ period—three Sundays of preparation known as Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima. These weeks invite us to examine our lives, recognize our sins, and prepare ourselves to draw closer to God.
I plan to attend Ash Wednesday Mass during my lunch break at work because I am available, but also because it is an opportunity to practice self-denial and stand unapologetically in my faith. It would be easier to wait until after work, avoiding the discomfort of walking back into the office with ashes on my forehead for everyone to see. But that would be choosing comfort over conviction.
This is what I keep being reminded of—how easy it is to stand with God when there’s no challenge, but much harder when doing so might come with consequences. Today is one of those moments when we are called to make a choice: stand with God or conform to the world. Even if it feels uneasy, even if there are repercussions, I must choose Him.
Love this, brother. Your comment reminded me of this verse:
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
- Matthew 5:14-16
Hiding your faith is not humility, it's cowardice.
Great recommendations and an important reflection for today! For those who aren’t Catholic, it may come as a surprise that there is a ‘Pre-Lent’ period—three Sundays of preparation known as Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima. These weeks invite us to examine our lives, recognize our sins, and prepare ourselves to draw closer to God.
I plan to attend Ash Wednesday Mass during my lunch break at work because I am available, but also because it is an opportunity to practice self-denial and stand unapologetically in my faith. It would be easier to wait until after work, avoiding the discomfort of walking back into the office with ashes on my forehead for everyone to see. But that would be choosing comfort over conviction.
This is what I keep being reminded of—how easy it is to stand with God when there’s no challenge, but much harder when doing so might come with consequences. Today is one of those moments when we are called to make a choice: stand with God or conform to the world. Even if it feels uneasy, even if there are repercussions, I must choose Him.
Love this, brother. Your comment reminded me of this verse:
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
- Matthew 5:14-16
Hiding your faith is not humility, it's cowardice.
I gave up youtube for my fasting (as the only social media I am still addicted to). It hasn't been easy, I'll tell you that.
I can imagine it's very difficult. Last year I gave up social media altogether and it was quite a challenge, but very meaningful.
Great message, I’ll be participating in lent this year 🙌🏾
Love to hear that brother, God bless!
AMDG
My pleasure! Glad you liked it brother 🙏🏼👊🏻
I'll send you a message!