First Sunday of Lent

My Dear Parishioners,

Today we observe the First Sunday of Lent as we gather to celebrate the Lord’s Day. This holy season is one in which we will be incorporating the disciplines of PRAYER, FASTING and ALMS-GIVING which will accompany us during this 40 day journey. In today’s Gospel the Evangelist Luke tells us that when the Lord Jesus left the Jordan River following his baptism, He proceeded to the wilderness for a 40 day retreat in preparation for His salvific work. During this time He was tempted by the devil who tried to lure Him from the way He was to go. Through prayer and fasting the Lord Jesus was armed with strength to resist the assaults of the wicked one.

The devil would continue to oppose Jesus throughout His three years of ministry but the forces of darkness would be defeated in the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ. During this holy season of Lent we will be invited to mediate more deeply upon this Paschal Mystery through prayer, fasting and alms-giving. As we incorporate these disciplines in our life during this time be prepared to meet the forces of evil which will try to tempt you from doing these holy things. Like the Lord Jesus, we must be strong and stay close to Him who loves us and gave His life for us on the Cross. Remember, LENT IS NOT EASY and it requires from us commitment. We need to stay focused on the Cross so that we don’t stray into the dark places where sin and death are to be found. Let us also remember how important it will be for us to encourage one another to keep a good Lent. Parents will have a special duty to introduce Lent to their children and to maintain its special character at home. I ask that you investigate the liturgies, devotions, faith formation gatherings and other opportunities which are taking place in our parish(es) which are available for our spiritual benefit.

Opening this Friday at the AMC theatres is the movie “Risen” starring Joseph Fiennes, who just last week met with Pope Francis at the Vatican. The following synopsis is from AMC: “Follows the epic Biblical story of the Resurrection, as told through the eyes of a non believer. Clavicus, a powerful Roman Military Tribune, and his aide Lucius, are tasked with solving the mystery of what happened to Jesus in the weeks following the crucifixion, in order to disprove the rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem.” This might be a good opportunity for families to view together and then discuss at home in the light of our Easter faith.
May our Lent, your Lent, be a good one!

Father Zig