OPreach
Dominican Preaching through Word and Image
On St. Patrick’s Day – an Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
– Irish Blessing
Mercy and Blessing
On this 2nd Sunday of Lent the readings tell us of God’s mercy and blessing for us:
From Genesis 12: “All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you.”
And from Psalm 33: “May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us who have put our hope in you.”
So this week we will focus on Mercy and Blessing. And today’s Lenten quote is:
An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.
– Henry David Thoreau
Weekly Photo Challenge: Inside
On the outside, our lives may look great. But what is it that is going on inside? Is there unforgiveness that is brewing? Remember this: our unforgiveness doesn’t hurt the one we won’t forgive – especially in those situations when it is a person that is not actively a part of our life anymore. But that spirit definitely hurts us. We may find ourselves stewing about whatever it was that “so and so” said or did, while “so and so” is oblivious to the fact that we are having such thoughts. So, our stewing only makes our shoulders tense and our chests tighten.
This Saturday, let our Lenten fast be from resentments or bitterness. Forgive others who have hurt your instead. Let go.
Fasting from Self-Concern
Today’s Lenten fast can be from too much self-concern. Instead, consider the experience and burdens of others, and “walk a mile in their moccasins.”
Weekly Photo Challenge: Perspective
An excellent practice for Lent would be to gain perspective. As Henry David Thoreau said,
It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.
Fasting from Feeling Overwhelmed
Fast from the problems that overwhelm your life and weigh you down. Ask God for help, and be present to someone else who is struggling.
Fasting from Lethargy
How about if this day in Lent we fast from lethargy. Focus on what gives you enthusiasm for life.
Fasting from Fear
Jesus was always telling his disciples, “Fear not.” So let’s fast from anxiety, fear and worry. God’s goodness permeates our lives. So let us trust in the goodness of the Divine. What a great Lenten practice!
Fasting from Discouragement
On this First Sunday in Lent, let’s fast from discouragement, and trust that the good that we do matters.
Fast from Negativity
This Saturday in Lent is a good day to fast from pessimism, and negativity. Be hopeful in your outlook on life.
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