Lenten Sacrifice - I'd Like Your Opinion

[socalscout]

My co-workers and I were talking about Lent and sacrificing. They have what I
consider the traditional layman's view that all they have to do is give up one
thing for the duration of Lent and everything is cool. We were all taught that
one or at least those of us who have lived through more than two papacies. I
explained it is sacrifice, alms to the poor and prayer in preparation for Easter
and it is much more than just giving up something.
 
I came in before Lent and proposed a different approach to them. I proposed buying
and creating homeless care packages consisting of a variety of items a homeless
person might use. I got the idea from my parish. We would purchase, assemble
and distribute about 30 - 40 packages. We are going to recruit our children and
spend the 16th handing them out downtown. . I also proposed daily prayer in addition
but they were not really enthusiastic about it so I did not pursue. You have to
take baby steps sometime.
 
The running joke now in the office now is that these guys got off easy by thinking all
they need to do is buy some chips and canned meat, throw them in a bag and
their done for Lent. This is hardly a sacrifice in the eyes of our coworkers. I did not tell them that is all they had to do but I also did not tell them they should do more so it is on me.
 
What do you guys think?  Did I lead them astray? When I ask this question keep in mind that they believed all then needed to do was give up drinking soda for Lent or something like it. Also keep in mind that this is very light hearted so it's not like they are looking at me as if I deceived them or anything
 
Thanks

[Autumn Dusk]

I think that you're taking this too seriously.  Their giving up did little to their inner disposition to the point where it may have been one of those empty gongs God speaks about

Their giving away seems to have done little to their outer disposition, yet it will go to help other's outer dispositions.

 

They participated and even if it was a tiny bit of their bounty, they gave, again so much better than doing nothing.  Next year up the ante...have them bring a whole box   :woot: