Suggestions to observe Lent, Part 1

His Holiness Pope Francis suggested the following fasts for the Lenten season in 2018, and they are worth a look:

1. Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
2. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
3. Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
4. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
5. Fast from worries and trust in God.
6. Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
7. Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
8. Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.
9. Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
10. Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
11. Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

I am going to try one of these fasts a day for each remaining day of Lent.

DeRouen, Keith J. “Pope Francis Offers Suggestions to Observe Lent.” DailyWorld.com, Daily World, 11 Feb. 2018, www.dailyworld.com/story/opinion/2018/02/06/pope-francis-offers-suggestions-observe-lent/311734002/.