Let me begin by offering an apology for not being as consistent with my postings as in the past. The adjustment brought about by my return to the parish operations and my experiences in dealing with post-surgery sentiments have surprised me. Nonetheless, here is a thought for us to consider on this Shrove Tuesday.
One of the aspects of any journey is preparing the suitcase or travel bag that will accompany you on your journey. One of the items that I have placed on my desk is a single candelabra with one white candle. It serves this purpose: reminding me that I need God's light on my journeys. Another item I keep at hand now is a book of prayers, not only the priest's breviary, but a book of Catholic prayers put together by one of our priests several years back. Likewise I have my rosaries at hand. All of these for one purpose: to make sure that on my journey there is prayer; to make sure that I am willing to step back and allow God to have a part of my life.
So, as you and I begin Lent, the journey of Lent, I encourage that prayer receive extra time and attention in the Lenten days along with whatever parish devotions that your parish might offer for these 40 days.
During the days of Lent we will, I believe, confront death in a different than usual way. During Lent our goal to to let die those aspects of our lives that keep us away from God, the truly prevent our participating fully in the gift God gives us in his Son and the redemption he brings to us.
So, have a "happy" Lent! Yes, you can do that! It isn't jumping up and down as you might have done on Sunday if you were a NY Giant fan. But it is the joy that God gives to your heart when you know that you are living the life he calls you to live.
Remember, we are dust and we will return to dust. Likewise, we should remember we are called to repentance during these days by living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
One of the aspects of any journey is preparing the suitcase or travel bag that will accompany you on your journey. One of the items that I have placed on my desk is a single candelabra with one white candle. It serves this purpose: reminding me that I need God's light on my journeys. Another item I keep at hand now is a book of prayers, not only the priest's breviary, but a book of Catholic prayers put together by one of our priests several years back. Likewise I have my rosaries at hand. All of these for one purpose: to make sure that on my journey there is prayer; to make sure that I am willing to step back and allow God to have a part of my life.
So, as you and I begin Lent, the journey of Lent, I encourage that prayer receive extra time and attention in the Lenten days along with whatever parish devotions that your parish might offer for these 40 days.
During the days of Lent we will, I believe, confront death in a different than usual way. During Lent our goal to to let die those aspects of our lives that keep us away from God, the truly prevent our participating fully in the gift God gives us in his Son and the redemption he brings to us.
So, have a "happy" Lent! Yes, you can do that! It isn't jumping up and down as you might have done on Sunday if you were a NY Giant fan. But it is the joy that God gives to your heart when you know that you are living the life he calls you to live.
Remember, we are dust and we will return to dust. Likewise, we should remember we are called to repentance during these days by living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
