Devotion - Monday, March 28

Our Alternative Spring Break Trip was fun, enlightening, and challenging. We engaged in service projects; we took in the sights of Washington, D.C.; we were awestruck by the faithful service of God's sons and daughters.

As part of my "welcome home," the family gathered for breakfast (my favorite meal of the day.) As we sat down to eggs, bacon, and biscuits, I was reminded of the story in which the director used the food on his breakfast plate to size up a potential team member. He was reported to have said, "See these eggs? Well, the chicken in involved. But see the bacon? The pig is fully committed. Which are you - involved or committed?"

The week in D.C., exploring the work of the Church among the poor and homeless, asks of us the same question - "Are you involved, or committed?"

Too often, we become involved in the work of Christ and decide this is enough. Too often, we congratulate ourselves on a week of service and fail to follow through on the changes we promised ourselves we would made upon return home. Too often, we fail to commit ourselves.

Jesus was committed. He instructs his followers that they too are to be committed. He even says, "Take up your cross and follow me." In our baptismal and confirmation liturgies we speak of our self-centered lives ending so that our lives might reflect the life of Christ. We promise that we will commit ourselves to God and follow where Jesus has lead the way.

Spring Break always interrupts the flow of Lent. As those attempting to maintain their Lenten Disciplines while traveling or living in a hostel for the week. This Spring Break may have been the perfect interruption to our Lent - it was a reminder of the work remaining to be done to house, clothe, and feed those whom Jesus came to serve. We were involved for a week; now is the time to be committed.