![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.patheos.com\/blogs\/sites\/85\/2014\/03\/150831_10200203740671019_1733471895_n.jpg\" "\\"150831_10200203740671019_1733471895_n\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nIt has been a roller coaster of a week. Russia invited themselves<\/a> into Ukraine, Pope Francis gave another interview<\/a>, a bishop in Texas did what he had to do<\/a>, the reverberations of which are still rippling outwards. Can you say, hurly-burly? I\u2019m reminded of what Rumer Godden wrote in the opening lines of In This House of Brede<\/a><\/em> The motto was \u201cPax,\u201d but the word was set in a circle of thorns. Pax: peace, but what a strange peace, made of unremitting toil and effort, seldom with a seen result; subject to constant interruptions, unexpected demands, short sleep at nights, little comfort, sometimes scant food; beset with disappointments and usually misunderstood; yet peace all the same, undying, filled with joy and gratitude and love. \u201cIt is my own peace I give unto you.\u201d Not, notice, the world\u2019s peace.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Thoughts that are just in time for the Lenten season, which began yesterday for us Roman Catholics.<\/p>\n Now, I\u2019ve been a Catholic for going on six years and I have to say that THIS YEAR I witnessed the MOST folks I\u2019ve ever seen at Mass on Ash Wednesday. It\u2019s not even close. The Pope Francis effect? Folks realizing they need to repent and hear the Gospel? I don\u2019t know. I just loved it being so crowded though.<\/p>\n Over these days of Lent, there will be ample opportunities to offer up fasting, alms giving, and prayer intentions for our own needs, and for the needs of others. I really didn\u2019t think I would feel moved to play VJ today. But after the tsunami of the news cycle, I was nudged in that direction anyway.<\/p>\n These five songs are what I came up with to help start this season of prayerful sacrifice. Offer up prayers for Pope Francis, for the folks facing war while striving for peace, and for the salvation of the whole world. Give alms to those in need (like to these nuns in Ukraine<\/a>). And listen to these tunes \u00a0as a way to joyfully kick off a healthy, introspective, penance that is directed outwards for the benefit of Christ, His Church, and the whole world.<\/p>\n U2<\/strong>, Vertigo.<\/em> One of my favorite bands for all seasons. This songs\u2019 title fits the mood many are feeling currently, yes? And the contrails the lads are leaving behind brings the saying, \u201cyou are dust and to\u00a0dust you<\/em>\u00a0will return\u201d into bold relief.<\/p>\n