By: James Porter*
When thinking of Lent, many people think about what they are going to “give up.” From chocolate and sweets to Facebook, the wide range of things people are willing to go without for 40 days varies. However, the true power of Lent as a journey of reflection, resolution, and renewal is sometimes lost as we march towards that chocolate bunny on Easter.
In his 2011 Lenten message, Pope Benedict XVI discusses the Lenten practice of fasting. He states:
We learn to look away from our “ego”, to discover someone close to us and to recognize God in the face of so many brothers and sisters. For Christians, fasting, far from being depressing, opens us ever more to God and to the needs of others, thus allowing love of God to become also love of our neighbor.
This Lent, the Justice for Immigrants Campaign (JFI) of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) invites you to pray, fast, learn, give, and advocate for just and humane immigration reform in solidarity with immigrants and refugees by participating in Lenten Resolutions for Change (pdf).
JFI urges you to use the pledge sheet that can be found here (pdf), to make a difference this Lent. Simply fill it out and hit submit to let us know what you will do to stand with our immigrant brothers and sisters during this holy season. Feel free to share it with your colleagues, networks, neighbors, family, and friends.
*Mr. Porter is CLINIC's Communications Officer
-----------------------------------------------------------
For more info visit:
CLINIC welcomes your thoughts and comments. When leaving comments please stay on topic and be respectful of others. CLINIC reserves the right to remove posted content that is defamatory.