MSI Press Blog

  Every Lent, the same question surfaces at dinner tables and parish gatherings: Why fish? Why does the Church ask Catholics to abstain from meat on Fridays, yet allow salmon, shrimp, or a tuna sandwich? The answer is older—and more meaningful—than most people realize. 1. It begins with Friday itself For Christians, Friday is the day of the Passion. It’s the weekly remembrance of Christ’s crucifixion. From the earliest centuries, believers marked Friday with some form of penance. Not dramatic gestures—just a small, steady act of self‑denial that kept the memory of Christ’s sacrifice close to daily life. 2. Meat meant feasting In the ancient Mediterranean world, meat wasn’t an everyday food. It was celebratory—weddings, festivals, victories, homecomings. To give up meat was to give up something rich, festive, and symbolic of abundance. Abstaining from it became a quiet way of stepping back from celebration and entering a posture of humility. Fish, by contrast, was ordinary food. It ...

  Constipation isn’t glamorous, but neither is sitting around waiting for relief, and it definitely interferes with my workouts. I have not found medicines to be all that helpful. Well, perhaps they are somewhat helpful, but I would rather do whatever it takes to avoid the need for medicine. I’ve learned that sometimes the best medicine isn’t in a bottle — it’s in your sneakers, your yoga mat, or even your living room floor. 🏃 Why I Move Your intestines are muscles too. When the rest of your body moves, those inner muscles get the hint: time to contract, time to push, time to clear the path . I think of it as giving my digestive system a gentle nudge. 🧘 My Go‑To Moves Morning Walks : A brisk 20 minutes around the block wakes up my gut as much as my brain. Wind‑Relieving Pose : I lie on my back, hug my knees, and breathe. Yes, it looks silly. Yes, it works. Twists : Seated or lying down, gentle torso twists massage my colon like a secret weapon. Deep Squats : Not just for ...

  Lent is a season of reflection. A time to clear space. A time to let go of habits that distract us from what matters most. This year, I’m giving up texting while driving. Not just as a gesture. Not just for forty days. But as a commitment to life—mine and everyone else’s. Because texting while driving isn’t just a bad habit. It’s a deadly one. It’s the moment we trade attention for distraction, safety for urgency, presence for pixels. It’s the moment we forget that every life on the road is sacred. Here’s what the numbers say: Distracted driving caused 3,275 deaths last year 14% of fatal crashes involve cellphone use Drivers who text are 23x more likely to crash Teens and young adults are most at risk—but adults aren’t far behind And when a crash happens, it’s not just the driver who pays the price. It’s passengers. Pedestrians. Cyclists. Families. Futures. So this Lent, I’m choosing a fast that protects life. I’m putting the phone out of reach. I’m letting the mess...