Comments on: We Need a Lenten “Unselfie”

By: The Joy of Lent | Deacon Allen Tatara Catholic Speaker Deacon Allen Tatara Catholic Speaker

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:12:55 +0000

[…] We need a Lenten “unselfie.” Find out why. […]

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 01:24:23 +0000

In reply to Patricia. I find it more difficult to fast from complaining and criticizing than giving up sweets for Lent. I make a conscious decision to not have dessert, and that's that, but sometimes I find myself already in the middle of complaining or saying something critical before I realize I am doing it! And when I realize it, it's very humbling. There are times I really need to stop and think before I speak. God bless you!

By: Patricia

Patricia — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 12:49:13 +0000

In reply to Stephanie.

Stephanie you brought up a very good suggestion and that was fasting from complaining. I’m so guilty of looking at the speck in someone else’s eyes and not seeing the log in my own. And…having the nerve to complain about those with the speck. It’s the sin of pride and I need to confess that and work on it. We are all in the same boat; it’s just that some know where to find the oars…. Peace and Love to you. Or, in the words of St Francis of Assisi, Pax et Bonum.

By: Deacon Allen

Deacon Allen — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 01:17:33 +0000

In reply to Stephanie. Thanks for your kind words. Lent is a great time for all of us to erase the board and start over with a clean slate. May we have the strength and will to do this everyday. May God bless you.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 16:39:14 +0000

Thank you, Deacon Allen, for this reminder.

When I look back on the past few weeks I notice that the days spent mainly focused on my “problems” have been my worst days, and days at my volunteer job or spent doing things like calling an elderly friend I knew in NYC who is ill, or an old high school friend who has been having some difficulty, turn out to be the good days. Why is that surprising to me? I should know better.

Also, I had read in one of my Lenten reflection books to fast from complaining and criticizing…that is a good one for me!

God bless you and thanks for writing this blog,
Stephanie

By: Deacon Allen

Deacon Allen — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 01:54:45 +0000

In reply to Patricia. Patricia: It looks like you've taken some great steps to make this a meaningful and spiritual Lent. I wish you well on your Lenten journey. And thank you for your kind words. May God bless you and keep you.

By: Patricia

Patricia — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 00:50:27 +0000

I have an acquaintance that seems to love putting her selfies on facebook and I cringe everytime I see it. I don’t think she knows how pathetic it makes her look. I want to say something to her but have not yet figured out a tactful way to put it. I never thought of it before that it’s pretty much done out of low self esteem. That makes sense now that you say it. I wholeheartedly agree with you that our focus needs to be on others rather than ourselves. When I’m aggravated or worried about something in my life I remind myself about the Christians in the Middle East who are being murdered because of their faith and then my worries seem so very insignificant. A year ago for lent, I decided to make it my business to pray a rosary every day. (oh, and I also gave up eating bacon …everyone loves bacon, right?) The Rosary has now become something I try to do every morning which requires getting up at least half an hour earlier. In a little notebook, I began compiling a list of people that I include in my prayers. It helps me to see their names written down as I’m praying. I’m going to continue that practice but I’m also going to add more scripture reading and meditation. In fact, I purchased a book of daily meditation for lent and began it today . I’m looking into ways to volunteer although my time is somewhat limited since I work. I appreciate your blog commentaries so please keep on posting. God Bless you and all your readers.