LENT 2016

            This Wednesday, February 10th, is once again Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the season of Lent. For 40 days we are encouraged to heed the words of the gospel that day by day fasting, praying and doing works of charity. During this Holy Year of Mercy it is fitting for us to take time to strengthen our spiritual life by way of the corporal works of mercy as well as praying, fasting and almsgiving.

            The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the corporal works of mercy stating: “the works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God.”

            Lent, traditionally a season of introspection and preparation, is an ideal time to consider the challenges presented by Pope Francis during the Holy Year of Mercy. During Lent, we are called to reflect on the Cross of Christ. God makes himself present to us through Jesus, restoring right order to our lives and opening our hearts to love God and others.

            Let us keep in mind throughout Lent that the Lord never ceases to have mercy on us, and desires to offer us his forgiveness yet again, inviting us to return to him with a new heart, purified from evil, to take part in his resurrected joy.