By Bro. Pete Lapid
This month’s GNB
topic – Draw near to GOD – appropriately fell during the time of
LENT. Because LENT is a good time for us to draw closer to GOD. And
not just ourselves but also those whom we love.
LENT is a time to reflect on GOD who is
gracious and compassionate (Joel
2:13),
slow to anger and abounding in love (Psalm 103:8),
who is
faithful and just (1 John
1:9),
gracious and merciful (Nehemiah
9:31),
near to all who call to Him (Psalm 145:18)
and who is
our Father in Heaven (Matthew
6:9).
LENT is a time for us to spend more time
with GOD,
for GOD and
in GOD.
To help us do this, here are my twenty (20)
suggestions:
1. Have a
personal retreat or a family retreat.
2. Forgive someone who has hurt you.
3. Ask forgiveness from someone whom you have hurt.
4. Go to Confession as a family and encourage others to do the
same.
5. Spend more time in prayer and in reading the Scripture.
6. Read Scripture as a family and discuss as a family.
7. Fast as a family and teach your children about the value of
fasting.
8. Go to Mass daily (not just on Sunday).
9. Visit JESUS in the Blessed Sacrament and spend more quiet time
with Him.
10. Read a spiritual book.
11. Celebrate the Lord’s Day in your family on Saturday evening to
dedicate the Sunday to the Lord.
12. Write an article for the Good News Bulletin.
13. Visit a prison, an orphanage or a home for the aged or the sick
in a hospital.
14. Write a letter or send an email of appreciation or
encouragement to your Parish priest or Community elder.
15. Watch a religious film as a family and discuss it with your
children.
16. Quit smoking or stop any bad or harmful habit.
17. Attend a Prayer Meeting or invite others to join your Community
prayer meeting.
18. Join a Catholic Bible Study group.
19. Make a donation to charity.
20. Volunteer to do some service or join a Choir in the
Parish.
I
am sure there are many other things you can add to this list. But
the point is that we should do something good or something
“special” or “extraordinary” for GOD, with GOD and in GOD.
Something which is not a part of our regular routine or usual
schedule.
Hopefully this could then become part of our regular regimen or
routine either individually or as a family and so bring ourselves
and our families closer to GOD.