Let me begin with a great, big THANK YOU to the many people who responded to my request for fish delivery drivers for our homebound parishioners. In my 18 months of ministry work, I have never had to actually turn down help because I already had enough. What a testimony to the love and generosity of this parish! I am so grateful, as are our recipients, who feel so loved and cared for by the St. Ignatius Community.
“What are you giving up for Lent?” Has anyone asked you that? This year it took me until Ash Wednesday to discern what the Lord was placing on my heart. I usually think of something that is difficult, yes, but not really “bad” for me. I’m careful to not label foods as “bad” or “good”, but rather, “eat sparingly” and “eat abundantly”. I could give up alcohol, but that would not be sacrificial for me as I can, and often do, go many weeks without drinking any alcohol.
This year I have given up stepping on my scale. If that sounds like a whacky thing to give up, I thought so too when I felt God nudging me. But once I took a deep dive look into my personal 30 year relationship with the scale, it wasn’t so whacky. Every morning, I step on that scale. Every morning, the number which stares back at me gives me a sense of “value” or lack thereof. This is so natural and normal to me, it almost seems good. However, I recognize that the daily habit and the lie the result whispers each day, must be eliminated. I’m don’t think I’m unique. I think cultural norms make us believe that numbers can either inflate or minimize our value. This may not even be something of which many of us are actually even conscious. I certainly wasn’t and I saw no harm in my daily practice of stepping on the scale first thing every morning. But let’s take a closer look at this. In the corporate world, a person may feel his value is reflective in his or her salary. In the running world, pace reflects value (fast pace = “good” runner). In the health and fitness world, the number on the scale gives people a sense of value (or lack thereof).
In the social media world, number of “likes” reflect value. These are horrible and sad lies. Each of those examples reflects how the Evil One slyly and deceptively whispers our worth. This is what God wants me to know this Lent. Jesus did not willing go his death for those of us who fit into the standards of a given time or space in history. Jesus died for each and every one of us as we are, because he loves us as we are (this is not to say he isn’t calling us to conversion in one or more areas of our lives). He desperately wants us to know this. He has asked me to give up that scale and to allow his love to envelop me and show me the truth about who I am in His eyes. I am certain he wants that for all of us (well, maybe it’s not the scale for you, but does some THING or person make you feel worthy or unworthy? If so, take that to prayer!).
The March physical therapy screenings with Matt Gingras will be on March 26th, from 9:30 am- noon in Loyola Hall. Come see Matt for anything that hurts or restricts normal daily activities. These include, but are not limited to, chronic pain, sports injuries and mobility issues. Our monthly blood pressure screenings will also take place on March 26th after each Mass in the back of church. Come and let one of our awesome parish health nurses take your blood pressure!
May you have a fruitful and prayerful Lenten season full of God’s grace, mercy and love.
Kate Rewwer
Parish Health Coordinator
