Pastor Notes February 19, 2023
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February 20, 2023Football wrapped up with the Super Bowl last Sunday, Valentine flowers are wilting, high school state tournament games continue, and the forty days of Lent are upon us. With our busy schedules we at times half heartedly step into Lent, making our routine gesture of fasting or another resolution depriving us of a certain food or habit. Just a few moments of reflection and prayer could make all the difference as we anticipate the forty days of Lent, conspicuously and with intent to consciously grow in our faith and personal relationship with God.
“...Most of us, no doubt, have been on the receiving end of an irreverent, off-handed quip, “Hey...whatcha giving up for Lent?” It is the kind of throw-away query for which no reply is expected or given, other than a possible in-kind retort. But it does raise a question about giving up something (from a bad habit to a favorite food). And, for those who do make serious, considered sacrifices-—fine. Yet, it seems that Lent might be more a time of taking something on —of taking a look at what we’re doing, where we’re falling short and making a determined (possibly even rash) move to get on with something worthwhile.”
“...As I see it there is one thing that will give meaning to our observance of Lent in this or any year, and that one thing is prayer. Our personal life, our congregational life, and our life in the world as a Christian is poorer because we do not pray. If Lent calls us to do one thing, that one thing is to pray. Prayer may sound like too simple a solution. However, the discipline of prayer is not an easy task. If there is to be any self-examination or cross-examination during Lent, let it be our own prayer life...” (Robert Gohdes and Ray Rollins: Moravian Church website).
Hopefully our good intentions for these forty days begins with Mass on Ash Wednesday marked with the ashes proclaiming publicly our Christian faith, dependence on God and the hope of eternal life. On the 22nd the following Masses will be offered: Noon/Sacred Heart Church— 5:30/Sacred Heart Church—5:30/St. Malachy Church—7:00/St. John Church.
On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday we are to abstain from meat, fast throughout the day with just one full meal, and pray. Throughout the forty days we are to abstain from meat on Fridays, fast from certain foods, drinks or habits, re-evaluate our prayer life, and consider acts of charity by sharing our blessings and resources, our presence, and outreach. On Thursday evenings following 5:30pm Mass at St. Malachy, there will be Stations of the Cross followed by a communal soup and meal. At Sacred Heart there will be a Gospel study group on Monday afternoon, and a discussion group on death and eternal life on Thursday evenings. Stations of the Cross will be offered after a weekend Mass at Sacred Heart. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is open to all whether you have a few moments or longer; Tuesday throughout the day and into the evening at St. Malachy, and Thursday throughout the day at Sacred Heart. Always though, we have the Eucharist to receive and share each weekend, with the Sacrament of Reconciliation offered beforehand at St. Malachy and following at Sacred Heart. On the first weekend of March Fr. Pascal will be our guest at all the Masses, sharing the work of Cross Catholic Ministry who deliver food, shelter and hope to the poorest of the poor; a reminder of Almsgiving, as part of our Lenten resolution.
Do you want to Fast this Lent?
Fast from hurting words and share kind words,
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude,
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope,
Fast from worries and trust in God,
Fast from pressures and be prayerful,
Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy,
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others, Fast from grudges and be reconciled,
Fast from words and be silent, so you can listen. (Pope Francis)
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: “Some people think that having ash on your forehead is ridiculous. But I am neither ashamed nor afraid because the ashes remind me that I have to someday pass away and reunite with my creator.” (Walter Buns)