REFLECT:
Like many Catholics, I look forward to the Lenten season each year. One of my favorite Lenten observances is praying the Stations of the Cross. This practice goes back to my early childhood. As early as I can remember, my mom would take me and my brother to pray the Stations every Friday – without fail. The worn booklets from many years of prayerful use; singing the many verses of Stabat Mater; seeing the daylight lasting a little longer each week though the stained-glass windows; smelling the incense at Benediction (often mixing with the smell of fried fish coming from the church basement) …these are the senses and memories of a child. However, as I grew older, and grew in my maturity and in my faith, I really was able to focus on the scriptural meditations contained in this beautiful prayer of the Church. Praying the Stations of the Cross helped me to understand and accept my own struggles as I walked with Christ, meditating on His suffering. Through these prayers and meditations, we gain the grace we need to bear our sufferings well. While this practice it is widely available in parishes throughout the Lenten season, I would suggest it become a regular practice throughout the year as part of our personal prayer life.

PRAY:
Lord Jesus, give us the grace to contemplate your suffering, to grow in our love for you, and to take up our cross and follow you.

ACT:
Perform a small act of kindness for a stranger.