Week 2 – Fast from entitlement and for love of Immigrants

Reflection

Just before the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is tempted in the desert (Matt 4:1–11) by possessions (turning a stone into bread), power (commanding angels), and prestige (ruling all kingdoms). He rejects all of these worldly ways by humbly submitting to God’s will and choosing the “little way” of self-giving love.

In a world that believes that those who are blessed are the billionaires, celebrities, beautiful, winners, smart, self-confident, and thin, the truth in this beatitude is surprising. Yet according to Jesus, love rules, and so the meek will inherit the land.

Action (reflect)

Reflect on the previous week. Were you able to respond in love to a person in Christ’s body whom you sense is “poor in spirit” or someone who is mourning? If so, what good came from it? If not, what was the barrier? Can you think of a way to respond in love before the end of the weekend?

Plan for the upcoming week. In the week ahead, we’ll focus on loving immigrants. We’ll fast from something we feel entitled to—it might be a favorite beverage, snack, meal, luxury, or something else you choose. We’ll fast for immigrants by getting to know their plight, praying for them, and by finding a way to serve immigrants.

To give one example, you might give up your usual lunch fare this week. Begin the week by preparing rice and beans to eat every day for lunch. At the end of the week, donate time or money to support a nonprofit agency that serves immigrants

Write out your fasting from/for commitment and send it to your Lenten exercise partners.