Gordon was the first spiritual mentor to tell me that the way did not have to be about suffering, but joy. He was insistent that our true call from God would not feel burdensome, but like something we had waited all our lives to do.

Something deep within us wants our lives to matter. We find meaning and purpose in a myriad of ways, and this "meaning making" works for us -- most of the time. Lately, though, I've been thinking about a more difficult case: people whose lives seem to make no sense whatever.

Obama is using hospitality as a way of breaking partisan gridlock on new taxes and spending cuts. Wasn't that what Jesus was trying to do when he invited himself to the home of Zacchaeus, a hated tax collector and notorious sinner?

We need to stop pretending the past didn't happen and start sharing our stories, openly and honestly with each other. Honesty breeds trust and trust leads the brokenhearted to Christ.

If you are so fortunate, as indeed I am, to have a special person with whom you share life, why not BE CHRIST to him or her, if you're a Christian. Or, if you are a Buddhist, why not BE THE Buddha to the person you love?

As you engage this Lent, I would encourage you to pray, to fast, to act in solidarity with those who go without. Learn more, give alms, share what you have. Be conscious about what you eat.

...

By Cathleen Falsani Religion News Service (RNS) I recently crossed that dreaded threshold into middle age, and it got me thinking about what, if any,...