A Word for Meditation

From the Liturgy of the Hours, the Office of Readings for today, Ash Wednesday:

"This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own." [Is 58:6-7]

...and from the Intercessions in today's Morning Prayer:

"Teach us to be loving not only in great and exceptional moments, but above all in the ordinary events of daily life."

And, remember, it's not what you give up for Lent that's important; it's what you give...in secret. It is in giving to others that we give up of ourselves.