Pastor’s Letter: March 5, 2023

Pastor’s Letter: March 5, 2023

3 Mar 2023 | Posted by: chadmin

Dear friend,

The Season of Lent offers us the opportunity to reflect on our spiritual welfare. This side of Heaven, we can all advance our spiritual lives. The Lenten call to fast, pray, and give alms are about not only service and gift of ourselves to others, but also entering a proper perspective on our current spiritual state. The annual repeat of the Lenten Season invites us to learn more and reflect more deeply on the love of Jesus Christ Crucified. Over the many years of celebrating Lent, I have at times finished Lent reflecting on missed opportunities. I am hopeful that we all will personally advance this year from where we are now to a clearer understanding of God’s Mercy. Catholics are called to celebrate the Sacrament of Confession one time per year, and encouraged to do that during Lent. We have additional Confession times Monday through Friday at 5 pm this Lent. The Mass helps us pause and reflect on the day, while hearing Scripture and receiving the Body and Blood of Christ.  In addition to the Sunday Obligation Masses, we have 7 and 8 am Masses and a 5:30 pm Mass, Monday through Friday. These spiritual opportunities at Church help us to live spiritually well at home and work. If we have yet to make a personal sacrificial offering for Lent or commit to a spiritual work of mercy, today is a great time to begin. Please join me in following the Church’s call to make this a holy time of year.

Biblical theologians have written extensively about this week’s Gospel Reading on the Transfiguration of the Lord. Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain by themselves. During that time the Lord appears shining white, and the voice of God the Father is heard. “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him,” the Father says. Moses and Elijah appear setting the framework for the connection of Jesus’ ministry to the Old Testament Law and Prophets. The words of Jesus after the Transfiguration give marching orders for all of us. “Rise, and do not be afraid”, the Lord said to His friends. It is understandable that such a sight would elicit fear in Peter, James and John, but the Lord invites them to get the message behind the miracle. This is the same call for all of us at every Mass when we experience the miracle of the Eucharist. We are called to take what we receive sacramentally and what we learn intellectually and apply it to our lives without fear or lack of perfect understanding of all things Divine. May the Season of Lent offer us the opportunity to grow closer to God and implement Divine Truths into the world in which we live.

God bless,

Father David