Hair shirts
From Forward day by day on Ash Wednesday:
As we pass through these forty days of Lent, instead of looking for hair shirts that scratch and irritate, let us try to be less of a hair shirt to others. Remember the great commandment Jesus gave us, to love our neighbors as ourselves.
I love this sentiment. In the past I have concentrated on personal things, and giving up bad habits. It is easy to lose sight of others.
Day in History: WEDNESDAY, February 9 Ash Wednesday
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21. Whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites.
One time I saw a cartoon in which an old hermit asked at the information desk of a department store, "Where can I find the hair shirts?"
As Lent begins today, many of us search for the appropriate 'hair shirt' to put on during this penitential season.
Some give up tobacco, making themselves irritable and hard to live with. Others fast from food feeling weak, faint, and useless. Others then have to care for them. Some give up liquor or candy. Often such little sacrifices create feelings of pride as we congratulate ourselves on our great self-control.
Actually, Jesus spoke against self-promotional religious practices, suggesting instead works of mercy, change of heart, humility.
We can put on the hair shirt of taming our tongues, curbing our temper, fulfilling duties, accepting difficulties with patience.
Ps 103; Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; 2 Cor 5:20--6:10
From Forward day by day on Ash Wednesday:
As we pass through these forty days of Lent, instead of looking for hair shirts that scratch and irritate, let us try to be less of a hair shirt to others. Remember the great commandment Jesus gave us, to love our neighbors as ourselves.
I love this sentiment. In the past I have concentrated on personal things, and giving up bad habits. It is easy to lose sight of others.
Day in History: WEDNESDAY, February 9 Ash Wednesday
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21. Whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites.
One time I saw a cartoon in which an old hermit asked at the information desk of a department store, "Where can I find the hair shirts?"
As Lent begins today, many of us search for the appropriate 'hair shirt' to put on during this penitential season.
Some give up tobacco, making themselves irritable and hard to live with. Others fast from food feeling weak, faint, and useless. Others then have to care for them. Some give up liquor or candy. Often such little sacrifices create feelings of pride as we congratulate ourselves on our great self-control.
Actually, Jesus spoke against self-promotional religious practices, suggesting instead works of mercy, change of heart, humility.
We can put on the hair shirt of taming our tongues, curbing our temper, fulfilling duties, accepting difficulties with patience.
Ps 103; Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; 2 Cor 5:20--6:10