But what really hit home for me was his mention of Facebook messages that he observed on Ash Wednesday. He described how, by 6:30 that morning, he read several posts from friends (mostly college-aged, he said) of how they were observing Lent. That resonated, because on Ash Wednesday it was my FB friends' mentions of getting "ashed" and of what they were giving up that inspired me to commit to Lent in a new way and, ultimately, to start the blog. Most of my friends' posts were lighthearted, but nevertheless, they inspired me and motivated me to join them—almost like I didn't want to be left out.
I've been feeling somewhat self-conscious about the blog; in general I'm opposed to blogs that seem to be just public journals. (Despite what may be the best intentions, stuff like this can seem very self-indulgent.) But the priest's homily reinforced for me the real value of social media in spreading good news and useful information. Writing these posts helps me commit to reading and reflecting on scripture, which is one of my Lenten goals, so that in itself is worth it for me. But in the interest of having something to give this Lent, maybe my own thoughts and questions will resonate with others who might be on a similar journey.
I have a tendency to assume that Sunday Mass isn't going to offer me much in terms of inspiration or words to live by. Today, the priest's words were relevant, practical, and inspiring. Worth the price of admission.
From today's psalm:
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
*Mother Cabrini's body is actually entombed in the altar at the shrine. This shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. Here's a photo. Have to confess—I found it kind of creepy.
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