March 11, Friday after Ash Wednesday

A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. — Psalm 51:19

Mass Readings: Isaiah 58:1-9 / Matthew 9:14-15 

Stop, Drop, and Roll! 

My favorite priest applied the concept of “stop, drop, and roll” not only to physical but also spiritual fires, fires like oppression, injustice, hunger, homelessness, loneliness, and rejection. These are also supposed to be part of our “Lenten fast.” (And abstaining! Happy first Friday of Lent.) 

But how can we do this? First, by refusing to bypass or overlook the difficulty and stopping in our busyness to confront it. Second, by dropping from our high horses of detachment and self-absorption into the nitty-gritty of the situation. And third, by rolling up our sleeves and doing what we can to alleviate the problem. Doing what Christ is calling us to do. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, give me the courage to step forward and help those who are hurting.