I hope this finds you all well during these cold, chilly days. It’s been a great time to be inside, without distraction, and have some time to think and meditate on the upcoming Lenten season. Some questions that have come to my mind are how is this Lenten Season going to be different from those of the past? What will I do to ensure this is a Holy Season, not just for myself but for others?
That may sound odd to some of you, coming from a priest. Most think that the preparation and the normal activities of the season will consume much of my time. But as we all journey to become closer to what God desires for each of us, I too look for ways for those mysteries to take root in my own life. Fasting, almsgiving, and penance are the focus of Lent. Walking these forty days with Jesus as he did in the desert. Well that sounds easy enough, walking with Jesus allows us to understand him deeper, more intimately, and with greater devotion. But It also involves sacrifice. It involves hardship. It involves change from within for each of us. Now it sounds a little more involved! We actually need to participate in that journey of Jesus in the desert. We have to be a part of it. As we end this liturgical season of Ordinary Time, we are presented with the story of the leper who sees Jesus for whom he truly is, a healer able to do anything outside of normal, everyday things. His faith allows him to ask Jesus “If you wish, you can me make me clean.” We are told Jesus takes pity on the man and says in reply “I do will it. Be made clean.” The unnamed man is immediately healed of his leprosy and goes off telling anyone who will listen what had happened, even after being told to “tell no one…” by Jesus. I think I would have done exact same thing, even after being told to tell no one. Can you imagine something so life changing happening to you. A disease that completely changed your life and put you in total seclusion from family and anyone you may know. And now that has been lifted from you. You are a new person able to socialize with anyone who you wish. You have been literally touched by the healing hand of God. That’s what Lent can do for each of us. Allow us to see a healing, that through the sacrifices we make this lent, can unite us to something so much bigger. May you each have a blessed forty day journey that is like no other! On a parish side-note: I am in the process of purchasing a presider chair and two side chairs for the sanctuary, with plans to move the current bench to where the servers are. If you have ever looked at church furniture, they are not cheap. If you would like to donate or sponsor one of the side chairs please contact the office or myself. The presider chair has been covered in memory of Bob Endreas. Your continued support is greatly appreciated! God bless, Fr. Barry
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
MASS SCHEDULE
Tuesday - Friday: 8:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM RECONCILIATION
Saturday: 3:15 - 3:45 PM OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Stay Connected with Our ParishWelcome from Our PastorWelcome to Christ the King Catholic Church! Ever since 1938 this parish has been assisting souls in their quest for deeper union with God. Our mission statement is essentially found in the stained glass window above the main altar: “For Christ our King.” Insofar as God made us and we belong to Him, we have come to... Read More
Archives
February 2021
Categories
All
|