Reflect:
St Peter and St Paul were very different people. St Peter had denied Jesus three times. St Paul had persecuted the early Christians, but God transformed them both and became fully committed to Christ. God does not wait for perfect people, but works with each of us, just as we are.
Act:
Even though none of us are perfect, we each have a role to play. God just asks us to be ourselves and to offer the gifts we have been given. This week, consider the gifts you have received and the ways in which they may be used for the good of others. It could be just offering a sympathetic ear, or a small act of kindness..
Pray:
Dearest Lord,
teach me to be generous;
teach me to serve You as You deserve;
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labour and not to ask for reward
save that of knowing I am doing Your Will.
Prayer of St Ignatius Loyola
Challenge
In the spirit of Laudato Si:
- In an attempt to live more sustainably, why not opt to make sustainable wardrobe choices by buying fewer, better-quality items that last longer.
- As we spend more time outside, be mindful of the impact of rubbish in our environment. Find a bin rather than dropping rubbish on the floor!
- Be mindful of creation. Take time this week to stop and appreciate all those we share our world with - plants, birds, insects, trees, creatures - and other humans! Treat all with respect and consideration.
- Save water, whatever the weather! Don't use a power washer, get a water butt, use a watering can, don't water the lawn - it soon recovers from drought conditions. Think of other ways you can save water in the home.....
- There has been a lot in the news lately about the effect of mass tourism in areas throughout the UK. If you visit anywhere be considerate and respectful. Leave no sign that you have been there, taking rubbish away with you.
- Take steps to reduce meat and dairy consumption in an effort to aid a cut in carbon emissions.
- Hedgehog Highways are aimed at facilitating the path of hedgehogs through our gardens on their daily search for food. Can you help?
- May is a chance to take part in 'No Mow May' in which we leave our grass or a portion of our grass unmown for the month. This allows flowers to grow, providing food for insects and wildlife.
- The Pope's prayer for May is that all humanity has access to food. How can you facilitate this? Give to a charity, share food with others, shop wisely with care and thought for those in more deprived countries?
- Have a look at your garden - how can you make it more wildlife friendly? Have a look at websites such as the RSPB, the RHS and Wildlife Trusts for ideas.
- Share something of what you have with others this week.
- Many are struggling with the cost of living. Can you donate to your local food bank? Collections take place at some of our churches and at many local supermarkets.
- People are struggling in our world today. This week do at least ONE thing to alleviate someone's distress.
- The SVP would like donations of Easter Eggs for the local food banks. Can you help?
- Do we appreciate what we have? Take time this week to give thanks for all that is in your world.
- We are shown the importance of water in a theological sense in today's Gospel. Many people throughout the world suffer from a shortage of water. This week use the water which we have such easy access to wisely and without waste.
- Friday's Family Fast Day gave us a chance to affect the lives of others through our self-denial. Please ensure you give generously to the Family Fast Day collection
- Take the opportunities offered by your Lenten practices to conserve and recycle the things you use.
- As the earth starts to warm up after the winter, sow seeds in trays and keep them in a warm place to germinate.
- Now is a good time to collect rainwater in water butts for use during the drier months.
- The earth is coming back to life as Spring approaches. Take time to seek out, rejoice and give thanks for all that you see.
- In the turmoil that exists in our world today, commit to bringing peace into the world by creating small acts of peace in your own life
- Can you commit to the Big Lent Walk and raise funds for life saving water in areas of the world where such a luxury is scarce.?
- Check your insulation is sufficient during this cold spell ensuring that heat is not wasted.
- Now is the time to recycle!! Don't just throw stuff away, but look at how it may be repurposed, regifted. Find out where cards and trees can be recycled, rather than them becoming part of a land fill site.