When a sieve is shaken, the husks appear; so do one’s faults when one speaks. The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had; so, too, does one’s speech disclose the bent of one’s mind.
The wisdom of Sirach reminds us that for better or worse, our speech reveals who and what we are. Examining our speech, being attentive to what we say and how we say it, as well as gaining an awareness of what is influencing our language, might be a good spiritual project for Lent. Throughout the season, we will adopt a spiritual discipline that is focused on giving something up. Very often what we choose to give up is something we enjoy so that we may be more attentive to the spiritual practice of sacrifice, and, therefore, align ourselves with the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross. But what about giving something that is more focused on conversion? Giving up a habit, a practice, a way of life and even the words we use may be where God is calling us.
Foul language is like graffiti and littering which makes our living environment ugly and disrespected. Offensive language which includes ethnic slurs, derogatory terms about a person’s identity and incendiary comments about those of oppositional ideologies are destructive to human dignity. They also create obstacles to peaceful coexistence and instead cultivate hostility and violence.
Evaluating our words and their impact requires us to entrust ourselves to the wisdom of someone who hears and listens to us. Instead of reacting to another’s critique of our words, take the time to listen and understand what the other says. We might also initiate such an evaluation by engaging a trusted person to offer feedback on what they hear. Throughout these days of Lent, let us have the courage to examine our words and actions, giving up that which does not lead us to Christ and his saving mission.
POPE FRANCIS – We continue to pray for Pope Francis and his health. He continues to shepherd us through this Jubilee Year, themed Pilgrims of Hope. He addresses that theme in his letter marking the beginning of Lent and asks us to reflect on what it means to journey together in hope. Journey, he says, implies that we are moving forward in our life of faith. He emphasizes that we are together, “walking side-by-side, without shoving or stepping on others, without envy or hypocrisy, without letting anyone be left behind or excluded.” Finally, that we are a people called to hope, “to trust in God and his great promise of eternal life. Let us ask ourselves: Am I convinced that the Lord forgives my sins? Or do I act as if I can save myself?” You can find the complete text at https://tinyurl.com/PopeFrancisLent2025. Please continue to pray for Pope Francis, united with him in his struggle and with Christ who redeems us.
PARISH LENTEN MISSION – We are excited to welcome home Fr. Patrick Nolan S.J. who will lead us on a three-day retreat to begin the season of Lent. Fr. Patrick will preach at all masses next weekend and then lead reflections on Journey Together in Hope. Please see the flyer in today’s bulletin for the full schedule of Fr. Patrick’s time with us.
LENTEN PRACTICES AND REGULATIONS – During the season of Lent, the Church urges the faithful to reflect a spirit of penance in their daily lives through performing acts of fast and abstinence.
- Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5, and ends on the evening of Holy Thursday, April 17.
- Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence. This is a serious matter within Church law.
- Fasting means only one full meal a day may be taken. Two smaller meals may be eaten to maintain physical strength but together they should not equal another full meal in quantity. Snacking between meals is not permitted.
- Catholics ages 18-59 are obligated to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those who are not specifically obliged to fast are encouraged to join in the discipline of fasting to the extent that they are able.
- Abstinence forbids the eating of meat or poultry. Those who have reached the age of 14 and older are obligated to abstain on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. Those who are not specifically obliged to abstain from eating meat are urged to join in the discipline of abstaining to the extent that they are able.
OPERATION RICE BOWL – This Lent, our parish will participate in an almsgiving effort in support of Catholic Relief Services. A rice bowl is a simple cardboard box used to collect Lenten alms. Parishes, dioceses and Catholic Schools across the United States order materials to hand out to families ahead of each Lent. Families can also join if they didn’t receive a rice bowl from their parish or school by downloading a free DIY label and Lenten calendar on the Families Resource page crsricebowl.org/families. You can find more information at crs.org and crsricebowl.org. I will offer additional information in next week’s bulletin.
Peace,
