Do you want to fast this Lent?  It's not too late.  Lent lasts 40 days so all of those days are available to you. 

Here are a few tips from Pope Francis: 

• Fast from hurting words and say kind words. 
• Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. 
• Fast from anger and be filled with patience. 
• Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope. 
• Fast from worries and have trust in God. 
• Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity. 
• Fast from pressures and be prayerful. 
• Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy. 
• Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others. 
• Fast from grudges and be reconciled. 
• Fast from words and be silent so you can listen. 

“In this life, we will always have things to do and excuses to offer, but now is the time to return to God,” Pope Francis said, insisting that the Lenten season is not so much about the small sacrifices made or the things given up as it is “discerning where our hearts are directed.” - Excerpt from Ash Wednesday Homily, 17 Feb 2021

"Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves ... " - Philippians 2:3 

Our pastor tried hard to ensure the faithful received the sacraments on a daily basis by offering them outdoors last spring during the pandemic.  We were told to walk single-file, pace ourselves along six foot markers placed in the school parking lot, and took turns to ensure social distancing as we crisscrossed through the crosswalks.  It was a beautifully orchestrated procession that worked with the finest military precision. 

But it didn't come without its share of scolding, snapping, and correcting when we stepped out of the well-calculated route.  The gentleman who monitored the crowd was there every day in his school crossing guard attire, keeping an eagle's eye on everyone's movement, offering correction when needed. 

You couldn't help but notice this man's presence.  He was very intent and purposeful in keeping the lines moving and flowing without interruption.  Every day, day in and day out, seven days a week, he was there.  "He must be a good school crossing guard," I often thought to myself, thinking that this was probably his real profession under normal circumstances because of the great care and concern he showed for the people and the process.  One day I stopped to thank him for his continual daily service.  He gratefully acknowledged me and stated that "some days are better than others." 

I was humbled to learn a few months later that the good gentleman in the school crossing guard attire was actually the school principal; but the greater humility was shown by the gentleman who humbled himself to do the work that needed to be done at that time. 

O God, thank you for showing me the humbleness of others, and guide me to be more like them.  Amen.