Even Little Actions Make a Difference

https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2021/03/09/grace-mercy-forgiveness-rooted-in-accountability/


The last few days of the Ignatian Reflection got me thinking.

Our actions can be bold.  How is that?  Marching in protest rallies, calling on my Legislative Representatives when they make changes that make a difference for those who are working a full-time job and take home, (again take home), $400 a week…when just the rent is over $1000 a month or when food stamps are cut (food, a basic need).  It may also mean writing letters to the editor or signing a petition against gun violence.  Maybe it is looking at my own guns.  Maybe it is looking at my activities that are killing the air I breathe.

My actions can also be a little quieter and more private.  Like the day I drove by a homeless man and felt guilty because I bought these awesome homemade oatmeal cookies and decided to give them to him.  That was a sacrifice, because when I had my afternoon coffee, something was missing.  When I grocery shop and buy a bag of potatoes and decided to put one more bag in my cart and bring that bag to the food pantry.  I can also be educating myself and looking for answers to “why are we still talking about slavery and racism.”  It can also mean going to another neighborhood and shopping or eating at a minority owned business.  (The food is outstanding, and I found some unique earrings.)

My actions can also just be curious.  Asking questions of those who have different views than mine.  Looking for clarity and understanding and common ground.

During Lent, let us look at our Lenten Prayer…I picked the first few lines for reflection in this blog:

 

·        Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling in them

·        Fast from emphasis on our differences; feast on our oneness

·        Fast from the darkness around us; feast on the light of Christ

·        Fast on thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God

·        Fast on words that pollute; feast on words that purify

·        Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude

(from National Association of Catholic Chaplains)

 

Lucretia H.

 

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