Journeying Toward Freedom and Equity

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, ...

  https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2021/03/05/cornerstone/           Throughout life we are told not to settle. When we face a challenging moment in our lives, we are told to keep moving forward or choose another path that better serves us. Yet, many of us have been forced to settle in numerous aspects of our lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Many individuals have lost jobs, been forced to work and study from home, have lost close family members and friends, and have faced other challenging situations in which they had no control. Plans have been pushed aside. Dreams seem far out of reach or are placed on hiatus for an uncertain amount of time. For the time being, we just have to settle with what we have. Friday’s reflection from the ISN focuses on feelings of rejection and moments when we feel like we are missing out on what God and others have to offer us. It is in these moments of rejection, though, that are actually a great opportuni...

Friday’s reflection posted by the ISN describes fasting as a way to become more present with others. The ultimate question to ask yourself when deciding what you will fast from this Lent is “What is standing between me and God, and what is distancing me from my relationship with others?”  https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2021/02/19/fasting-as-invitation/ Is it the busyness of your life, a lack of trust, fear, anxiety, anger, insecurity, or pessimism? Fasting during Lent can mean something different to everyone. The beauty of this Lenten journey is that in finding what you wish to fast from, you are also able to discover what practices and habits will bring you closer to God. As you reflect this season, consider what you may do to nourish your relationship with yourself, with God, and with others. Perhaps there is something new you can learn, maybe there’s a conversation to be had with a loved one, maybe this Lent is simply a time you need to pause and reflect. Whatever you choos...