Lent

 

Pope Leo XIV’s Lenten message: Abstain from harsh words and rash judgement

Titled, "Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion," the papal message asked Catholics to come together as a community to listen to the word of God and to the vulnerable.

The pope also invited the faithful to engage in a "very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor."

"Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves."

Instead, he asked, "let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities. In this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace."

Lent is a time to "place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives, in order to find renewal in our faith and keep our hearts from being consumed by the anxieties and distractions of daily life," the pope wrote. 

The season of Lent begins on Wednesday, February 18^th. The Church prescribes “3 Pillars” to assist us during Lent:

1.    Prayer – helps heal our relationship with God

2.    Fasting – helps heal our relationship with ourselves

3.    Almsgiving – helps heal our relationship with others

As Lent begins let us take time to focus on our relationships – with God, with myself, with others. May these days be filled with many blessings.

Be the Light

You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?  It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.  Mt 5:13-16

When I was in the eighth grade I remember singing a song with the refrain, “we’re called to be that city, we’re called to be that city, we’re called to be that city, we’re called to be that land.” In many ways it modeled today’s Gospel. The song speaks of being light for the kingdom of God. Whenever I hear this Gospel, I often think about this song and my classmates from that time. I remember our teacher saying that we are called to be a light for others and that we must not hide our light under a bushel basket. We needed to be sure that we kept our light burning brightly for all to see. An interesting concept for thirteen-year-olds.

Right now, our world is in desperate need of light. We need to allow our individual light to shine brightly and in doing so sustain the light for others. Living in challenging times it is not always easy to keep your light shining. We need to remember that all we do is for the glory of God and that we need to be the light for others.

World Day for Consecrated Life

February 2^nd is celebrated as World Day for Consecrated Life. In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day for women and men in consecrated life. This global celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples.

Let us pray for all who have embraced consecrated life.

God our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s kingdom as sisters, brothers, religious priests, consecrated virgins, and hermits, as well as members of Secular Institutes. Renew their knowledge and love of you and send your Holy Spirit to help them respond generously and courageously to your will. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (U.S. Bishop's Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations)