
We are already into the Lenten season. The ashes we received on Ash Wednesday remind us of Christ’s call to repentance as expressed in the words said during their imposition: “Turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel!” Borrowing the words of Paul, we can say, “Lent is the acceptable time, a time of grace.” As we begin this holy season, I would like to invite the whole parish to embark on a journey of conversion and spiritual renewal.
In the Early Church, the Lenten season was originally the period when catechumens preparing for baptism intensified their preparation. This was a powerful time when they sought to enter more deeply into Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection (the paschal mystery). Eventually, the whole Church joined the catechumens on their journey not merely as spectators but as participants. All Christians undertook certain practices in order to be ready for a worthy celebration of Easter. The three pillars on which the edifice of Lenten observance rests are prayer, fasting, and charity.
The season of Lent is about journey – journey towards Easter when we shall celebrate the Sacraments of initiation. We as the parish community make a journey with the children who are preparing for First Holy Communion and our catechumens and candidates who are preparing for the Easter sacraments. We are not mere spectators who watch these individuals walk towards fuller life at Easter. Each one of us is called to prepare our hearts for the coming feast of Easter.
Addressing Christians beginning their Lenten observance in the 6th century, Pope St Leo wrote: “What a Christian should be doing at all times should be done now with greater care and devotion.” We face three principal obstacles on our spiritual journey: our pride, our comfort, and our self-centeredness. To those three, this season offers three antidotes: fasting, charity, and prayer.
The Church invites all of us to practice these three pillars of our faith life: prayer, fasting, and charity. Allow me to propose some concrete suggestions for you and for me.
Prayer
Fasting
Charity
May this season be a time of renewal for each one of us and for the whole parish! Please pray for all our parishioners during Lent.
Mission Statement: As children of God, living in a Catholic community of faith, we are united by the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Aware that all we have is gift and grace from our Heavenly Father, we strive to give of our time, talent and treasure to build His kingdom on earth. We live this mission, challenged by the Word, nurtured by the Sacraments, and enlivened by the Spirit, to serve our brothers and sisters in peace, justice and dignity. All are welcome on this journey.
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