Happy Easter, Alleluia! No more sacrificing …?

Happy Easter, Alleluia! No more sacrificing …?

by Ian Mascarenhas

   Easter Sunday was April 20th. Lent which began with Ash Wednesday was March 5th.  I chose something significant to give up, and it helped me get closer with God.  But as Holy Week approached I started thinking about using again the thing that I sacrificed.

   But we should not be quick to rush back to the thing that we sacrificed, because the whole reason we give up (or add) something is to help us strengthen our relationship with God.  Then a revelation came to me; of course it was God putting this idea in my mind.

   Instead of just going back to my “pre-sacrifice” life, I still get to use what was sacrificed, but now each time I use it and think about “this is what I gave up,” it becomes an opportunity to continue getting closer with God.  Sometimes that means extra prayers or building faith relationships or finding opportunities to serve or getting quiet for God’s voice to be heard better.

   The whole point of my sacrificing was to improve my connections with God.  Now this is a renewed way to keep growing in my faith, fanning the fire of my spirituality to be more alive.

   Find the ways that will keep your faith alive.  Look for the positive parts in your sacrificing!

Passion for Life!

Passion for LIFE!

by Ian Mascarenhas

   In John 10: 10 Jesus said “I came that you may have life, and have it abundantly.”  Jesus has a passion for life, eternal life.  And He wants us to have a share in it.

   One definition for “passion” is “a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something.” That is exactly what Jesus accomplished with His life, teachings, suffering, death and resurrection.  All of that was so we could get reconnected with God and our faith family.

   We are more alive through our connections and we all encourage and support each other through our faith journey.

   “Jesus thinks that our place in heaven is more  important than His, so He gave up His that you could have yours.” — quote from Max Lucado.

  So if we are not going to do what Jesus tells us: “Love one another,” “Come and See,” “Take and eat,” “Take and drink,” “Do this in remembrance of me,” and share His mission (Matt 28), then our actions proclaim “Sorry Jesus, but your suffering and death just wasn't enough.”

   Jesus, as God, not only is LOVE, but He has a great love (PASSION) for us to become a holy communion.  Coming to Mass is not just about what we get out of it, but also how we contribute toward encouragement & support for LIFE!