Lent 2010
Lent invites
us to welcome the transforming light of Christ into our
lives and to carry that light into the darkness of the world around us
My friends in the Lord Jesus,
"Come, let us walk in the Light of the Lord" is not only our desire but our call in Christ. This year's Lenten theme is taken from a beautiful passage of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, "Come, let us climb the Lord's mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths. For from Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between nations and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against against another, nor shall they train for war again. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Walking in the light of the Lord impacts our discipleship. It is an invitation to the challenge of issues of justice. Issues like war and peace, homelessness and hunger, caring for creation, loving our neighbor as ourselves. The light of the Lord enlightens our hearts and minds enabling us to see the world not only as it is but as God intends it to be. Our faith sheds light upon those areas that are in need of healing, forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace.
Lent is a season of grace. It prepares us to celebrate the triumph of Christ's cross and resurrection. Lent helps to ready us for the renewal of our baptismal vows, our commitment to Christ Jesus, on Easter Sunday. Through acts of penance, the reception of the Sacrament of Penance, the receiving of Jesus in Holy Communion, daily reflection on the sacred scripture, and reaching out to others in need, we can more readily heed the call "Come, Let us walk in the Lord."
Father Ron Falco, Pastor
Ideas to help welcome the transforming light of Christ and to share it with others this Lent
Light a candle and sit quietly
Consider what you might do, read, or choose this Lent to welcome the fullness of life in a new way
Write down what you might do to rebuild a relationship, bring justice or to care for the earth
List three ways you might practice listening more closely to the voice of God
Compliment a family member, friend or co-worker. Make an effort to see them in a new way
Do one thing to strengthen your faith
Spend time outdoors in silence. Walk in the woods, gaze at the stars, notice the moon, visit the seashore in winter, listen to the snow fall
Choose a quiet place, come to rest. consider those things for which you feel a need for forgiveness, ways in which you were not gentle, honest or kind to yourself or someone else. Consider saying these things out loud.
Open your heart to children, your own or someone else's. Spend time with them. Consider making a donation to an agency that works on behalf of children
List your blessings today. Give thanks
Gather with family or friends for a special meal or snack. bless one another in some way
Learn something new. Web search the words Christian non-violence or eco-theology
Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Gather with our parish community to give glory to God
Consider coming early for quiet time before Mass and staying to connect with others after Mass