Dear Fellow Parishioners,
In Haiti, lots of preparation and effort goes int a huge week-long celebration of Mari Gras. There is lots of music and dancing as they make ready for the Lenten journey. The celebration is said to be necessary because the Haitian lifestyle is like a continuous Lenten journey. There is constant prayer - that lives will improve in some way, for the sick, and for work to support their families. Fasting for many is simply part of their existence; most people survive on one meal a day. Acts of charity abound when, just like here, someone is in need, others come to the rescue. A spirit of sharing is part of the culture so that no one is left behind.
With that in mind, I invite us all to put some thought about our personal preparation for this Lenten Season. For us, we are invited during this 40-day period to deepen our relationship with God and grow our spiritual life. Someone mentioned that they are still reflecting on the image of the Rose Window that I brought to our attention at Christmas. “I need to change perspective and get Christ back into the center of my spiritual window!”
This Lent, our homily series will be entitled, “Be Opened”. What is the key for you to “Be Opened” and be led by the Spirit this Lent? We live in a world where we have passcodes and passwords for all sorts of accounts. Most people tend to choose some words, numbers or phrase that is meaningful to them. What is your spiritual password? Is it a special prayer or devotion like Stations of the Cross? Maybe it’s the rosary or a certain song or music that leads you to a quiet space. Perhaps you need to connect with others on the journey by sharing a meal, attending daily Mass or Eucharistic Adoration.
On Ash Wednesday, we invite you to choose a spiritual password. So, what Passcode/Password will you use to help you this Lenten season? Choose a suggested password from the baskets or take a card to write down your own.
To remind us to enter into the desert with Jesus sand will replace water in the holy water fonts. To remind us of our journey from the darkness of sin to the light of Christ, we will fast from candles until the Easter Vigil. Our Gloria and Alleluia will be saved until the Easter Season, giving us a chance to give glory to God through our lives as salt and light to the world.
In Haiti lots of preparation goes into preparing for Mardi Gras, because daily life is really a Lenten journey. How fortunate we are to have so much! Let’s take the time to be led by the spirit as we prepare for a Lent well spent.