Fr. David Convertino, OFM
Executive Director of Development
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “I’m walking on eggshells!”
Now, I know eggs are expensive these days, so maybe we shouldn’t be walking on them or their shells! But that’s not the point.
Too often, we live our lives walking on eggshells, afraid to take a step that might crack something. Afraid to be honest in our relationships. Afraid to stand up for what we believe in. Afraid to follow where God is calling us because it might cost us comfort, reputation, or security.
We tiptoe around tough conversations. We hold back our dreams. We let fear keep us from taking the next step forward.
But Lent is not a time for walking on eggshells. It’s a time to break free. It’s a time to step boldly into the life God has given us and allow this season to reshape us from the inside out!
A couple of years ago a woman named Margaret came to see me. She said she had spent most of her life walking on eggshells.
Last Ash Wednesday, she wandered into our church—not really planning to receive ashes, but something drew her in. As the Friar traced the cross on her forehead, he said, “Remember, you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.”
For the first time, those words hit Margaret hard. She realized she had been so careful, so guarded, that she wasn’t really living her life. She was existing. Surviving. But not really living. She was actually walking around like a zombie, never feeling life and all its richness.
That Lent, Margaret made a choice. She prayed—not just the prayers she had memorized, but real, honest conversations with God like God was a dear friend.
She reached out to an estranged friend. She volunteered at our Breadline and food pantry. She gave more generously than ever before to our charity.
By Easter, she felt free. The eggshells were gone!
My Sisters and Brothers, that’s what Lent is about! Stop walking on eggshells—eggs and their shells are too expensive to waste—and so is LIFE! This Lent, start living life as God wants us to live by loving and entering into the life he gave us.
There are three Ways to Live Lent more Fully:
1. Pray From Your Heart
Prayer should be more than just words we say out of habit or memory. It should be an honest, heartfelt conversation with God. Like Margaret learned, God isn’t looking for perfect prayers—He’s looking for sincere ones.
2. Fast with Purpose
Yes, fasting often means giving up food. But what if we fasted from things that hold us back?
What if we fasted from self-doubt? From negative thinking? From the distractions that keep us from real love and connections?
Maybe we need to fast from walking on eggshells—from being afraid to make mistakes—and instead live courageously in faith.
3. Give Generously
Giving to charity isn’t just about money. It’s about our hearts.
Who around you needs your kindness? Who needs a little more of your time? Who needs encouragement?
Maybe this Lent, we give not just from our wallets, but from our hearts—leaving the world a little better than we found it.
God has been good to us, and we should repay God’s generosity by our own giving to God’s poor. As God has been good to us, we must be good to those in need.
Make Your Ashes Count
Lent isn’t a time for walking on eggshells.
It’s a time to walk boldly toward God.
So, if you receive your ashes on Ash Wednesday, don’t let them be just a symbol of repentance—let them be a sign of your recommitment to truly live.
Welcome to Lent 2025.
Please—stop walking on eggshells! Let’s live this Lent and Life to the fullest!
Please consider supporting the friars as a way to give alms this Lenten Season.
Your generosity will help those who come to the friars in desperate need of help.
