I remember the deeds of the Lord. — Psalm 77:12

Mass Readings: Deuteronomy 4:32-40 / Matthew 16:24-28

Better Than Fish

When I was in Catholic grade school the nuns wore black habits that swept the floors and we wondered if they had hair beneath their tight veils. We didn’t eat meat on Friday and we all knew the promises of the nine First Fridays devotion. It was a time when Catholics stood out as different not only for their fish dishes, but for stopping by church to light a candle, say a prayer, and make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. (The women always wearing a hat or chapel veil.)

First Friday still holds a special place in my heart. And now, we’re called to live out the Friday abstinence from meat by substituting another sacrifice or charitable work. Yet how many of us actually do that?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, make my sacrifice an authentic one from the heart.