RETURN TO THE LORD WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART

                The readings for Ash Wednesday call for an assembly of the people which begins the Season of Lent each year. Jesus calls us to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (charity). As the First Reading from the Prophet Joel reminds us, Lent is about returning or making our way back to the Lord. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving help us on this journey. During this time of Lent we are reminded of the everlasting mercy of God and God’s forgiveness. Through these disciplines of Lent we recognize those areas in our own lives where we need to be reconciled with our brothers and sisters and with God.

                On the Second Sunday of Lent the Gospel describes Jesus’ Transfiguration before his disciples, Peter, James, and John reminding us that Lent for us is also a time of “transfiguration” to help us grow in holiness. We must admit that our actions are at times inconsistent with our words and we need to correct our ways. The forty days of Lent give us the opportunity to accept God’s forgiveness, to humble ourselves, to renew our commitment to living according to the ways of the Lord allowing God to transform us into the holy people he wants us to be. 

                Masses on Ash Wednesday are at 8:00 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. Attending Mass during the Season of Lent is one way to grow closer to God, to pray, and become a more holy people. On Fridays during Lent the Stations of the Cross help us to reflect on the final moments of Jesus’ life which he offered for us on the cross to take away the sins of the world. The Sacrament of Penance offered on Saturday afternoon and other days during Lent afford us an opportunity to experience the grace of God’s forgiveness and our reconciliation with God and one another.