quote:Originally posted by cmc: One thing that got me was that there was a reading about how when you pray, don't be like the hypocrites and do it on the street corner etc - do it privately. I was thinking to myself, well, isn't this black on my forehead announcing it?? I guess, since it's supposed to be just a reminder that we're 'ash to ash' it works out - but I'm still not clear on how it's not announcing that I prayed today...
The black on the forehead is supposed to show we're proud to be repenting and taking part in lenten services. I don't think it's the same as calling attention to yourself for being religious, as much as to set an example for others or to encourage others to do the same.
It seems as though we got the same gospel. I found it particularly interesting, considering what I have been doing in exploring other religions and my decision to come back to the church because of it's 'low-key-ed-ness'. My uncomfortable-ness with other more boisterous, loud religions. It kinda fit in with my decision for going back to the church and re-emphasized the conclusion I came to myself. It was almost as if it was aimed at me. Crazy, eh?
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Just on my way back from church and RCIA meeting.
Stihl, the "ashes as advertising" occurred to me too during thr gospel.
I love our parishes "theme" for this year. "What's in the Way?" All about how to discover the obstacles that keep us from being our true selves and doing God's will. I think that is a good way to think about what to change during Lent and about making Lent a springboard for more permanent change.
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kmboots, that's excellent. It will be my new meditation, now that Lyrhawn has solved the acronym.
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You know, I don't think the ashes violated Jesus's saying about not letting the left hand know what the right hand's doing, etc.: he was talking about being vain about how religious you are, getting people to admire you, etc. But I doubt most of us see the ash mark as a badge of pride, or expect people to admire us for it! (And it's kind of hard to do the Great Commission while *concealing* your religion!)
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I figured out what I'm doing for Lent. I work on the 6th floor, which is 6 floors above ground level, in my building, and I've started taking the stairs every workday at least once all the way up from the ground floor, and once all the way down. It's 20 steps per floor, so 120 steps each way. When I get over being sore, I will go ahead and do it twice a day at least. It's a good thing for me right now, since I'm terribly out of shape. If I get to the point that I can do it easily, then I will start running up. Posts: 6246 | Registered: Aug 2004
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I have decided that "what's in the way" for me - metaphorically, spiritually, and quite literally - is the amount of stuff, junk, trash, in my apartment. I am terrible at throwing things away. Because, someday, I might need fifteen cardboard boxes or fifteen dozen plastic grocery bags. Or clothes and jewelry that I haven't even looked at in ten years. Box of old watches anyone?
So I'm cleaning and getting stuff out. Anyone know of a Chicago area charity that picks up? Some of this stuff (not the grocery bags) is still in good shape.
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Not a lot going on except for car donations, at least online. Here is a list of 174 "thrift" stores (but I see many consignment shops, too) that you could research individually. Not much fun to slog through, though. I'll keep looking.
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Ah, this is much better. The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County has compiled a list of where to take clothing and miscellaneous donations, and some specify pickups.
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There are stores around here that accept plastic bags for recycling, you could check your local stores or recycle centers. But they also make excellent shipping packaging...
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This year I am sticking with my traditional giving up snacking between meals. In addition to that, I am doing extra volunteer work in our health care facility. I need to do something that will help me to see Christ in others so I picked something that will force me to work consistently with people. So far it has been wonderful.
Today, I attended a beautiful talk on the season of Lent that has really inspired to make this season one, not just of repentance and self-denial, but also a time to really focus on opening myself up to God's love. I want to clear out all of the junk in my life so that I can allow more room for God to enter. I am really excited about the season of Lent and the coming of Easter!
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I too am excited and enjoying the season. I couldn't have picked a better time to get back into the church. I'm seeing the church and the religion in such a new light and understanding things I never did before about catholicism. I especially appreciated the talk today the father gave about renewal during lent as well as repentence.
It's good to be able to share this experience, and to see others experiencing the same enjoyment of the season. It is very encouraging.
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quote: One thing that got me was that there was a reading about how when you pray, don't be like the hypocrites and do it on the street corner etc - do it privately. I was thinking to myself, well, isn't this black on my forehead announcing it?? I guess, since it's supposed to be just a reminder that we're 'ash to ash' it works out - but I'm still not clear on how it's not announcing that I prayed today...
Thats why in most Easten Catholic churchs(except Meronite) they use oil instead of ashes, beacuse that way it keeps it more private.
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