Special Project
At the beginning of Lent, the Rector of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Msgr. Steven Rohlfs, offered a few recommendations to the seminarians to help prepare them for this holy season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Msgr. Steven Rohlfs, standing on the spot at the Basilica of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton where he was ordained a Deacon
Unfortunately, some people view Lent as a time to be miserable and depressed because they have to give up things they enjoy, such as a particular food or some form of entertainment. While fasting and abstaining can be spiritually beneficial, I’ve known too many people who become a real pain in neck, simply because they don’t know how to sacrifice well. What’s the point of these disciplines if it makes us miserable? The purpose of the Lenten practice can be completely lost if we dwell on what we’re giving up, as opposed to what we’re gaining by making a sacrifice.
Our Lenten practices should bring us to love God more deeply; to trust His Strength, rather than our own willpower; to become better, more faithful instruments of His Grace, rather than products of our own personal spiritual practices. Through our observance of Lent, we become like missionaries--special agents of God’s love. We recognize that our disciplines and sacrifices aren’t supposed to make us miserable, but ultimately more joyful!
Picture of the three years of chairman for Mount 2000 Retreats. This position is very difficult work, but the smiles on their faces prove the joy in their sacrifice!
One impressive suggestion offered by the Rector was to take on a “special project” to help the seminarians in their practice of pastoral charity. He suggested, but did not require, that seminarians pay attention to the needs of others and to offer some act of kindness, compassion or simple spiritual fraternity, such as hanging out with a friend in need. The fact is we become so easily distracted by our busyness that we forget the needs of others. In seminary, it’s so easy to focus on academics and seminary obligations that we forget to pay attention to our classmates. Some men could be questioning their vocational discernment and may need a friend to just listen. Some guys may feel a little lonely and could just use some fraternity. The good Rector’s suggestion was simple: pay attention to the needs of others and do what you can to help.
Similar to a “Secret Santa”, these acts of kindness were informally nicknamed “special projects.” That doesn’t imply the seminarians themselves are special projects, but paying closer attention to the people around you and doing what you can to help becomes the special project. The intent is to make us better people by helping to better someone else’s situation. That’s a perfect way to approach Lent!
The special project we celebrate today, March 25, is called, “The Annunciation.” It marks the Incarnation of the Divine Word that occurred nine months prior to the Birth of Christ (December 25). The Incarnation is God’s special project. God paid close attention to our earthly needs. He responded by sending us His only Son to help us – knowing that we need all of the help we can get!
For that reason, our Church recently celebrated “Laetare Sunday”--a day to rejoice! The Church recognizes the difficulty in keeping up our Lenten practices. So, more than halfway through Lent, the Church gives us a reason to rejoice, knowing that our personal penances, sacrifices, fasting, prayers and almsgiving will soon come to an end. What remains is the joyful celebration of Christ’s victory over death at Easter!
Tabernacle at St. Cyril and Methodius Church, Archdiocese of Detroit
If I were to offer an idea for a special project, I’d suggest we continue the Laetare Sunday theme: make sure that we bring some joy to someone who needs it most! Go ahead and do something that helps lift someone’s spirit. Pay special attention to the people around you. Pray for that person, and ask God for some insight that will help bring that person some joy today. Go ahead and develop a special project that will bring delight to those who need it most! There’s no need to tell anyone you’re doing it, lest pride somehow negates the humility with which we’re supposed to take on this special project.
One of the senior priests getting out of his own seat to serve some bread to Mother Dolores
One Saturday morning, I visited a priest friend for breakfast. I came at the right time. I saw him engaged in a very simple, but special project! He was sending a bulletin and a little note of encouragement to his parishioners who are away from home for college. He does this every week. He is a very attentive pastor who realizes that college students need special pastoral attention. They need the spiritual help that comes from this pastor’s prayers and encouragement. All parishioners, but especially those in college, need the gentle reminders about going to church on Sundays. Sending bulletins to the college students is his special project--which is not limited just to the Lenten Season!
When we pay attention to the needs of others, we participate in the life of Christ in a special way. The suggestion of a special project can definitely help us understand the real meaning of Lent: to help accomplish God’s special project and share His Love!
Knights of Columbus – The entrance procession for the Holy Trinity Apostolate Mass. The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization committed to spreading God’s Love throughout the world. These men are involved in a whole host of “special projects” that really make a difference!
Operation Rice Bowl – Haitian Red Beans and Rice
“Chef” Robert was at it again, making some great food from the Operation Rice Bowl recipes. This week, he received assistance from Deacon Tim Naples of the Diocese of Burlington, Vermont.
To celebrate the Wednesday night Mass, they made a big batch of red beans and rice, Haitian style. After I tasted it, they asked me for some help to bring out a bit more of the flavor. So, I just prayed over it. Just kidding. I simply added a bit of salt, pepper, garlic powder and olive oil. So if you go to the recipe from the Catholic Relief Service website, you may need to add a few more spices. Making this dish could be one of your special projects--I’m sure this recipe will bring your family some joy!
Click here for the recipe from Operation Rice Bowl.
Haitian Red Beans and Rice
NOTE: This recipe is one of the many recipes from the Operation Rice Bowl website.
1/2 cup fresh parsley
3 green onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp salt
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup rice
2 cups canned (or cooked) kidney beans
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth*
1 cup water
1/2 can cream of celery soup
*1 cup of water from the kidney beans may be substituted for vegetable broth.
In a large saucepan, add parsley, green onions, garlic, dried thyme and salt into 3 Tbsp of olive oil. Heat through and add rice. Slightly brown the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans, broth, and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.
This recipe serves 4 people.
This recipe was obviously a hit! Here’s Seth giving us his approval. Be sure to check out Seth as he hosts a fun YouTube video that is perfect for Lent!
Special Projects and Special Prayers
Sometimes we don’t exactly know what to say in prayers, especially when we pray for other people. Sometimes we pray that God will change the other person to make things better. However, our prayers should ask God to change us so that we can become more understanding of other people’s differences, and that we can be more attentive to how we can help them in their time of need. In other words, we sometimes like to tell God how he should answer our prayers, rather than trusting that He knows exactly what’s best for us. Perhaps we can take a cue from something Blessed Theresa of Calcutta prayed:
“Lord, do with me what You will and don’t ask for my suggestions!”
Amen!
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Daily Reading & Meditation
Thursday (3/26): The Father's witness
Gospel Reading: John 5:31-47
31 If I bear witness to myself, my testimony is not true; 32 there is another who bears witness to me, and I know that the testimony which he bears to me is true. 33 You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Not that the testimony which I receive is from man; but I say this that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36 But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father has granted me to accomplish, these very works which I am doing, bear me witness that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness to me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen; 38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe him whom he has sent. 39 You search the scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me; 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. 41 I do not receive glory from men. 42 But I know that you have not the love of God within you. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44 How can you believe, who receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; it is Moses who accuses you, on whom you set your hope. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote of me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?"
Old Testament Reading: Exodus 32:7-14
9 And the LORD said to Moses, "I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people; 10 now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; but of you I will make a great nation." 11 But Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, "O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?
Meditation: Do you know the joy of the gospel and a life fully submitted to Jesus Christ? Jesus’ opponents refused to accept his divine authority and claim to be the only begotten Son from the Father. They demanded evidence for his Messianic claim and equality with God. Jesus answers their charges with the supporting evidence of witnesses. The law of Moses had laid down the principle that the unsupported evidence of one person shall not prevail against a man for any crime or wrong in connection with any offence he committed (see Deuteronomy 17:6). At least two or three witnesses were needed. Jesus begins his defense by citing John the Baptist as a witness, since John publicly pointed to Jesus as the Messiah and had repeatedly borne witness to him (see John 1:19, 20, 26, 29, 35, 36). Jesus also asserts that a greater witness to his identity are the signs and miracles he performed. He cites his works, not to point to himself but to point to the power of God working in and through him. He cites God the Father as his supreme witness.
Jesus asserts that the scriptures themselves, including the first five books of Moses, point to him as the Messiah, the promised Savior. The problem with the scribes and Pharisees was that they did not believe what Moses had written. They desired the praise of their fellow humans and since they were so focused on themselves, they became blindsighted to God. They were so preoccupied with their own position as authorities and interpreters of the law that they became hardened and unable to understand the word of God. Their pride made them deaf to God’s voice. Scripture tells us that God reveals himself to the lowly, to those who trust not in themselves, but who trust God and listen to God's word with an eagerness to learn and to obey. The Lord Jesus reveals to us the mind and heart of God. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit he opens our ears so that we may hear his voice and he fills our hearts and minds with the love and knowledge of God.
Saint Augustine of Hippo wrote: “As Christians, our task is to make daily progress toward God. Our pilgrimage on earth is a school in which God is the only teacher, and it demands good students, not ones who play truant. In this school we learn something every day. We learn something from commandments, something from examples, and something from sacraments. These things are remedies for our wounds and materials for study.” Are you an eager student of God’s word and do you listen to it with faith and trust?
"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may listen to your word attentively and obey it joyfully."
Psalm 106:19-23
19 They made a calf in Horeb and worshiped a molten image.
20 They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass.
21 They forgot God, their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt,
22 wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red Sea.
23 Therefore he said he would destroy them -- had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him, to turn away his wrath from destroying them.
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(c) 2009 Don SchwagerSphere: Related Content
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