The Important Lessons Hidden in "Goodnight Moon"
40 Crosses for 40 Days: 21st Cross -The Focus Cross
Today is the fourth Friday of our Lenten pilgrimage. We take Fridays during Lent a little more seriously than the other days of the week, due to its implicit connection to Good Friday. Although technically we are only called to abstain from meat on these days, many Catholic households still respond by eating a little less, and maybe skipping dessert, due to the inherent solemnity of these Fridays.
These Fridays of Lent give us the chance to focus more fully by calling us to abstain, to remember what we are about. We can collect our thoughts, place ourselves in the presence of the Lord, and concentrate. That's why the cross for today is the Focus cross. It's subdued, earthy colors and small size invites us to slow down and travel through today more deliberately, uniting our thoughts with our actions, focusing on simplicity and humility.
The statements below give us some guidance on how exactly to go about becoming more Christlike, which is the reason we are on this journey in the first place. You may have seen them before, but I've adapted them a bit for our purpose here, today. Read each one each slowly, thoughtfully, imagining you are walking with Jesus on the way to Jerusalem, bringing your thoughts, words and steps together.
FAST from judging others;
FOCUS on Christ dwelling within them.
FAST from thoughts of ill;
FOCUS on God's healing power.
FAST from thoughts that weaken;
FOCUS on promises that inspire.
FAST from words that criticize;
FOCUS on words that praise.
FAST from what is life-stealing.
FOCUS on God, who is life-giving.
FAST from worry and problems that overwhelm;
FOCUS on God's loving providence and prayer that sustains.
FAST from idle gossip and suspicion;
FOCUS on silence with a purpose and truth.
FAST from discontent and complaining;
FOCUS on gratitude and appreciation.
FAST from discouragement;
FOCUS on offering hope.
FAST from sorrow and anger;
FOCUS on serenity and patience.
FAST from personal anxiety and bitterness;
FOCUS on eternal truth and forgiveness.
(source: unknown)
Learn to FAST from evil and discouragement and FOCUS on the good things of God. Take on the self-emptying of Christ.
Let us pray: Holy Trinity, unite our thoughts and our actions during this Lenten pilgrimage, so that we say and do what is pleasing to You. Help us fast from what is life-stealing and focus on You and Your promises, which are life-giving. And in all things, let us praise You. Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
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About the Author
A life-long Catholic, Sarah has worked in Family Faith Formation for the past 15 years, helping parents, grandparents, godparents and children of all ages learn about and live their Catholic faith. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Dallas, then went on to complete a Master's in Language and Literature at St. Mary's University and years later, while living on a farm in rural Indiana with kids, dogs, chickens and ducks, she earned a Master's degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Stuebenville.
She especially loves using stories, particularly the stories of C.S.Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and the Inklings, as well as symbols and physical "stuff" to catechize. Having spent close to ten years as an employee at Hallmark Gold Crown stores, she often uses their collectible ornaments as doorways to connecting with Catholicism. She blogs, occasionally, at www.thestrawberryvine.com, in between working and taking care of her husband and 5 children. Living in central Texas, she loves bluebonnets, the Texas Hill Country, family and her two pit bull rescues, Rocco and Luna. Her latest project is working on a Doctorate degree in Romantic Theology.
