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Dear Faith Family of OLMC,

            As we begin this Lenten season the calendar still reads February. Winter’s icy
grip has not loosened and gardens and greenery seem so remote. Darkness still descends
early and night lasts longer. It is a tough time of year in this locale.
            But as our Lenten journey progresses, we will see signs of regeneration. The sun
will rise earlier, set later and begin to call forth new life. Blades of grass will peak through the thawing ground and hearty little buds begin to adorn the trees. Gardeners will be out planting and tending. It will be as if the world outside is preparing for the new life of Easter. And what of our interior worlds? Will we allow ourselves to be touched at the level of our hearts by the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus for us during Holy Week and the victory of Our Lord on Easter Sunday? Will we prepare in our homes and in our parish to receive these gifts? A springtime of new life and light is offered to us by our gracious God.
            How do we get the Lenten renewal rolling? Well, as they say, “No need to reinvent the wheel.” Three traditional spokes of the wheel of Lenten observance are Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. Prayer acknowledges that God is the source of our lives, the One to whom we should surrender control. Make the decision to commit some time to prayer daily during this season. The Stations of the Cross and the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary are particularly meaningful forms of prayer during Lent. Fasting is a good way to remind ourselves that satisfactions of the body are not the necessities we make of them. Doing without temporarily creates a hunger and some space that can be satisfied by reconnection with Jesus. Almsgiving, whether by sharing our resources or our energy and service, is a practical way of demonstrating our trust that God will provide. Giving to those in need is always a grateful response for the cornucopia of blessings showered upon us by a generous Father.
            If you want to be more innovative and creative in your Lenten enterprise, by all means, have at it. Remember, Lent is not merely a span of time to get through. It is meant to be a process that one actively undertakes. It requires decision, commitment, and follow-through. Most especially it requires beginning. So, to borrow a commercial tag line, “Just Do It!” If you do, this might turn out to be your most meaningful Easter ever.

May you be under Our Lady’s protection,

Fr. Mike