Lent is nearly upon us! This is the time of year for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It is a time of penance and sacrifice. It is a time of conversion. But, most of all it is a time of joyful preparation and awaiting the celebration of the saving act of Our Lord, that which is our salvation, the passion, death, and resurrection of the Son of God. We use this time of year to work to grow closer to Our Merciful Lord. We practice little sacrifices, extra prayers, and giving to those in need in order to grow in virtue and holiness, to separate ourselves from the material attachment and attachment to sin, which is a lifelong pursuit. I would recommend looking forward and starting planning now what you will do during Lent. Ask God what he would have you do. It should be something that will help you to grow in your faith life, to grow in practicing the theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity. Even if it is seemingly a very small thing all growth in virtue is a good thing.
Lent is a time that is more somber, as we see in the mass where the Gloria to God and the Alleluia are not used. We also focus more intensely on Our Blessed Lord’s passion and death. This is a wonderful time of year and even with the emphasis on passion and death of Our Lord, the Church, all the faithful, enter into this time of year with a joyful spirit because we know that on the other side of the passion and death is the resurrection.
So, in the time leading up to Lent think about how you will more fully enter into this liturgical season and enter more fully into the passion and death of Jesus so that we can enjoy the fruits that He won for us, the resurrection to eternal life. Please pray for your parish priests and be assured of our prayers for you!
In Christ,
Fr. Jacquemin
