How is your Lenten journey going so far? We gather this weekend for the 4
th Sunday of Lent, know in the Latin Rite as “Laetare Sunday” which comes from the intro to the Mass “Laetare Jerusalem” or “Rejoice Jerusalem”! We rejoice because we are more than halfway through Lent and to our celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord! Are you up for rejoicing? I know that my Lenten journey has had a huge turnaround since the 3
rd Sunday of Lent. I took the time on Sunday afternoon to take a good look at what was happening around me and identified what was broken. I realize there are lots to work on; some of it here in our parish.
Sometimes I get overwhelmed with all the work that needs to be done and lose sight of the blueprint and vision. Sometimes it feels like we are veering off track and it is difficult to keep up with all the changing needs of the community. The good news is we have a very talented group of committed parishioners to assist in getting back on track. So, I rejoice, not in where we are at, but in knowing that this is God’s community and together we can work at getting back on track.
This week during our homily series, we are looking at the theme “What’s in your toolbox?” I realize that our community changes as new members enter, and as older members depart; as times and schedules change and even abilities to make commitments change. Our understanding of what it means to be “Catholic” and to be a “practicing Catholic” is different for everyone. It is a challenge for me to minister to “people where they are at” especially when there is little to no communication or dialogue. I wish I could just sit down and dialogue with individual families and get to hear their story. I know there are many “ears” out there in the community from people involved in the parish who give me a glimpse of what is happening in people’s lives and schedules, but it’s not the same as hearing directly from the source.
In my toolbox are “ears to hear” and a heart to listen to the many who do talk to me and share their story. In my toolbox is acceptance of anyone on the journey even in their struggles; an open heart to welcome people no matter where they are at, and a willingness to help pick up the pieces broken by the challenges of life.
So, how is your Lenten journey going so far? Take the time to take a good look through the toolbox of your spiritual life and make sure to get rid of the tools that are no longer needed and replace them with those that assist in the journey of faith.