Dear Friends of LIS,
As we enter the season of Lent, we are reminded that God is calling us to grow deeper in our union with Christ and to share our gifts with each other. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-30, we are encouraged to let the words of our mouths and the thoughts of our hearts be favorable to building unity. Being a part of a whole body requires that we watch
what
we say and
how
we act toward one another. Each person is an important part of the body and plays a significant role. Just because we can’t “see” someone’s gifts, doesn’t mean one is without any. Constantly comparing our giftedness with one another leaves no room for compassion and kindness. But, the more in love we are with God, the easier it is to celebrate the gifts and successes of others rather than to resent them. “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.”
Wouldn’t it be love(ly) if we could change the idea that we’re more important, more talented, or more religious than one another? My prayer is that during Lent we can stay focused on pleasing God by discovering our gifts and living out his will in the body of Christ. Let us remain hopeful and humble as we celebrate being loved by God. May we take the words of St. Pio Pietrelcina to heart:
“Don’t ever be pleased with yourself because of some goodness that you might discover in yourself, because it all comes to you from God, and to Him must you give the honor and glory.”
Rejoicing in the Lord must be y(our) strength!
A perfect way to begin your Lenten season is to sign up for our Ignatian Weekend Retreat from March 15-17. We are also accepting applications for Catholic Bible Institute courses to begin in September. Excitement is building as we prepare for our next Speaker Series with Fr. Ron Rolheiser, O.M.I., on May 4 and our annual fundraiser, Hearts on Fire, on May 5. It sure would be nice to see you at these events! I’d love to meet you personally!
Here’s to a fruitful Lenten season,
Lori Stanley
Executive Director
