I'm linking up again with Trish at House Upon the Rock, and Laura at Day by Day in Our World for this Lenten meme.
I always enjoy the readings at Ash Wednesday Mass. We are urged to rent our hearts, rather than our garments. Torn garments were a sign to the world that one was in great pain. We are instructed to keep our sacrifice, almsgiving, and fasting quiet. We should go into the world with a smiling face, and to not look for a pat on the back or any recognition.
When I was younger, we would try to one up each other with what we were "giving up". I loved to hear the gasp when I proclaimed I was giving up television. It seemed like such a huge deal to my peers. (the truth is, I barely missed it!) The problem with shining a spotlight on a sacrifice is that it no longer becomes an offering to God, but to rather to the people we hope to impress.
