Dear Fellow Parishioners, We begin our Lenten Journey 2021 on Ash Wednesday February 17th. Our journey during a pandemic will certainly be much different from our past Lenten experiences. I touched upon opening our eyes to the miracles of the touch of Jesus healing Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. Maybe this Lent we can all open our eyes to the many ways we are touched by the presence of Jesus by those around us, and at the same time bring that healing touch to the people we encounter.
Recording each day my “Moment closest to Christ” has caused me to open my eyes to the many members of The Catholic Community of Sacred Heart who day in and day out bring that healing presence of Jesus to so very many people beyond the campus we share. I praise God for all of you who day in and day our make every effort to live out the Gospel message and make the presence of Christ alive even in the midst of Covid-19.
Our homily series for Lent 2021 is “Into the Wilderness.” Certainly, this has already been a wilderness journey, wearing masks and social distancing, and trying to keep healthy, safe, and sane! In the wilderness we are tested to our limits. As we navigate this difficult spiritual territory, let’s make sure we are not in isolation.
The church is open everyday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. How comforting it is to enter the church for prayer and to see another person there, kneeling in prayer, lighting a candle, or at one of the prayer stations. Give yourself a gift of quiet time and come down to the church and be in the presence of Jesus. I often am mesmerized by the tabernacle lamp reminding me of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. How comforting it is to relax is a space bigger than my home and breath in the wonderful presence of God. Each time I enter and pray I feel like I am in the wilderness, yet at the same time on retreat breathing in the presence of God.
So, take some time to plan your journey “Into the Wilderness.” How will you take full advantage of this sacred time? One thing is for sure; I don’t want to rush through the journey but take advantage of the life-lessons along the way. Last Holy Week I celebrated the services in an empty church. It will be good to have others present during those sacred moments and rituals bringing us all into the sacred touch of the God who loves us.
Might I lastly encourage us all to keep a journal of the lessons that the wilderness offers us this Lent. Fr. Bill