it's a shame that Robert Bork isn't on the Supreme Court, but it's a crying shame that Fr. C. John McCloskey isn't a bishop or Cardinal by now.
Lent is the season for conversion of heart. That is why these conversion stories are being posted and will continue to be posted throughout this great season. It is a time for purification and reconciliation.
In his homily this evening (it's Ash Monday in the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches), Father spoke about fasting. He commented that the admonition not to eat meat dates back to the early centuries when meat was a luxury enjoyed by the wealthiest individuals. Giving up meat, for them, was indeed a sacrifice. He carried the thought through to contemporary times, noting that we often begin Lent with the best of intentions but sometimes fail along the way. Essentially, he said, we make promises to our Lord that we fail to keep.
Father focused us on the sacrifice of 'giving to others'. When we relinquish those items to which we are most attached, (fill in the blank), we should take the money normally spent on them and give this to the needy. It is especially important to look on those in need and see Christ. He expounded at great length about the sense of community - be it at home, the parish, or the worldwide level.
This is the time to focus your prayers and energies on praying for those in need but be willing to accept God's plan for them. Why not make that your lenten offering.