Dear Friends in Christ,
It is here – the season of Lent! St. Peter reminds us in the second reading for this weekend, "Christ suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God." Therefore, every true believer ought to pay close attention to the Word of God as spoken through Jesus who said, "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel." Thus, what are we to believe about the Gospel? My friends, the words of the Psalmist make a good starting point for all believers to follow more deeply in the way of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. Remember that your compassion, O Lord, and your love are from of old. In your kindness remember me, because of your goodness, O Lord. Good and upright is the Lord, thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, and he teaches the humble his way."
Therefore, it is the way of God that will lead us to life and to no other path. It is striving to think as God thinks that will keep us on the path especially when we act in mercy and are compassionate toward others including those who are enemies. It is the decision to live a life that is motivated by love and not by greed or selfcenteredness that will bring the most blessings and the most clarity in life.
During this season of Lent, only you can decide by what you believe and by what you do how to make the season count. Please pray with me for the grace to want to grow more holy in the ways of God by how our daily lives are lived out. More of God in our lives will certainly counter the less that is being experienced in our world today.
May God bless you and all of your loved ones as you decide how to live out this season of Lent through the many offerings here at your parish.
