By Fr. Justin Fulton
“And lead us not into temptation.....”
Well, here is some temptation. Here is a nice picture of a perfectly designed and frosted, delicious birthday cake. OOOPS! Sorry about that for anyone who gave up cakes and desserts for Lent.
Trust me. There is a point to this madness.
This cake was made by a loyal volunteer of ours and a diligent supporter: Laura Johnson. Laura is a member of the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln. She and her husband Ryan are very good people and have raised a solid, loving family. They love and serve the poor by praying for and sacrificing for the poor.
A few months ago, Laura approached us with a wonderful pro-life idea. Knowing that every birthday should be a grand celebration of life, Laura wanted to help out the children at St. Gianna Women’s Homes realize the gift of their unique, individual lives by helping them celebrate their birthdays. She offered to design and bake birthday cakes for each of the residents at St. Gianna’s on the event of their birthdays.
So, Laura routinely bakes birthday cakes to be given to each of the kids at St. Gianna’s on their birthdays. Isn’t that a great witness and apostolic service? She takes her loving heart and her talent and shares it with others. In turn, the children and mothers at St. Gianna’s celebrate the gift of human life. They know there are people out there who care for them and love them. They feel Christ’s love shared with them... and they have a beautiful cake to celebrate with and warm memories are made.
Laura’s family also gives the children and families a gift card so they can get some food or toys as well to enhance the celebration. In simple ways Laura and her family allow Christ to reach moms and children who need support, laughter, and love. They are becoming saints by sharing their skills, lives, and love with others.
As we continue on our Lenten journeys with the Lord Jesus, may we turn to Him deeper in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Consider how you can share your lives and love with others in your parish, families, school, and community. Don’t just keep the faith. Share the faith. Share Jesus with a world that needs Him.
Sharing Christ’s love, which we make a promise to do when we affirm thanks to God at the dismissal at every Mass, really is a piece of cake. (Insert humorous laughter here. Ha!)
Thank you for your support and prayers for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Thank you for being apostles in this world and for sharing your faith in Christ! May God bless you always.
