There an angel of the LORD appeared to Moses in fire flaming out of a bush. Moses decided, “I must go over to look at this remarkable sight.”
Moses was out in the middle of nowhere, tending the flock, free to be with his own thoughts, when his life is interrupted by God’s presence. In that interruption, he is called to do something very significant – lead the people out of their enslavement to a new land. He is to go to the people and convince the people that the Lord has called him to lead them in this new way. What a remarkable occurrence and what an overwhelming call.
Lent is a time for us to become more aware of God’s presence. Like Moses who was out in the desert tending his father-in-law’s flock when he was confronted by God, our experience with prayer, sacraments, scriptures and the community of faith are all potential moments for a remarkable occurrence of God’s presence. So, too, are the necessary times of quiet and solitude. Moses was in the quiet and alone when God appeared in the burning bush. In quiet places, we encounter the LORD in a way that changes life forever. What quiet time have you added to your Lent so that you can be aware of God’s remarkable presence and hear His call for you?
LENTEN CHECKPOINT – As we begin this third week of Lent, we have an opportunity to look back at the first two weeks and examine our progress (or lack thereof). While we may find that we have been faithful to the commitments we made less than 20 days ago, most of us are perhaps disappointed with our shortcomings. It’s not too late to begin. If you have not been as faithful as you had hoped, begin again. Lent is a time for continued growth. If you haven’t made it to confession yet, go this week. If you haven’t set aside as much time for prayer as you had hoped you would, it isn’t too late. Whatever it is, Lent is still here, and we have plenty of time to prepare for Holy Week and the resurrection of our Lord on Easter Sunday. Jesus desires us today and every day to move closer to him.
JOURNEY TOGETHER IN HOPE – At the beginning of Lent, Pope Francis challenged us to experience Lent within the context of the Jubilee Year theme “Pilgrims in Hope.” He said Lent is a time to “journey together in hope.” Noting the concept of togetherness, he said:
“This Lent, God is asking us to examine whether in our lives, in our families, in the places where we work and spend our time, we are capable of walking together with others, listening to them, resisting the temptation to become self-absorbed and to think only of our own needs. Let us ask ourselves in the presence of the Lord whether, as bishops, priests, consecrated persons and laity in the service of the Kingdom of God, we cooperate with others. Whether we show ourselves welcoming, with concrete gestures, to those both near and far. Whether we make others feel a part of the community or keep them at a distance.”
In addition to the prayerful moments that unite us, I want to particularly consider the upcoming social opportunities our parish is offering. Lent isn’t all about being miserable, but instead focuses on the simple basic blessings of the human experience. One of those blessings is community. Please consider joining us at the following:
Lenten Fish Fry Dinner – Friday, March 28 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm in the school auditorium. This event is a tradition in many communities. This is an opportunity for new and old friends to come together, united in the Lenten discipline of Lenten Fridays. The Menu and Dinner Order Form can be found in today’s bulletin.
Lenten Soup Supper – Join us in the final week of Lent with a simple soup and bread supper. The homemade soups are prepared by fellow parishioners, giving us an opportunity to be nourished by a simple meal as well as placing ourselves in solidarity with others who are striving to simply live.
Peace,
