My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
We begin this season of Lent acknowledging the wondrous gift of God’s forgive-ness, which He bestows upon each one. We pray for the ability to be merciful and to forgive one another in our transgressions. We live our daily routine and encounter God’s people, some we know as family or friends, some we do not season, we resolve to open our lips welcoming each person with praise of God. We plead with God for a willing spirit to know the joy of His salvation.
Many of us make an offering to God during the season of Lent. If our heart is sincere, then each offering is a true sacrifice and will lead us closer to God, as we journey with Jesus to the Cross. What are some opportunities to create a clean heart for God? Some of us will choose to give up our favorite food or consider a healthier choice when eating or drinking or begin an exercise regimen. Others may take on extra chores to assist our parents or visit our elders more”
“often. Those who are able may participate in the celebration of daily Mass, in addition to Sunday. Others will seek to adore the Blessed Sacrament or pray the Liturgy of the Hours or the devotionals, the Rosary or Stations of the Cross. Stewardship offerings to your parish, Catholic Charities of Central Florida, or food pantries are expressions of God’s mercy. Volunteering in a ministry to make visible God’s Word flourishes God’s kingdom on earth. Participating in the Sacrament of Penance draws us near to God, for we encounter Jesus as He receives sinners at His table, a gesture that expresses in an astonishing way both God’s forgiveness and the return to the bosom of the People of God.
In all that we do, we do in the name of God. Each time we come with our offering to God, we acknowledge our fragile nature and ask God to use these offerings that we grow in wisdom and strength through, with and in Him. We make our offering without boasting, and we profess our offering does not create chaos or disturbance within our family or workplace or visits with friends. Our offerings are the scent of blessing imbued upon the earth, as Jesus calls us to come and be with Him. When we see our offerings as gifts to God, they become a part of who we are. When the season of Lent ends, we do not abandon these efforts but continue as they are embodied within our spirit.
As we journey with Jesus, we also pray for the Catechumens; those who have chosen to learn more about Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church that they might follow Him. In the beginning of Lent, I, the bishop, meet with the Catechumens and their sponsors to ask them if they are ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church. During this Rite of Election, the Catechumens publicly express their desire for the Sacrament of Baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. Their names are recorded in a book, and they are called the Elect. The days of Lent are their final Period of Purification and Enlightenment leading up to the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction for the Elect, and prayers for them by the parish communities. The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday when the Elect receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Then, the person will be fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
In this Lenten season we are all called to reflect on our own Baptism and to remember that we are claimed for Christ. In the proclamation of the Word and the grace of the Sacraments, we pray we grow as Christ’s disciples. May we be more eager to forgive others and to bring God’s peace to this fractured world. Jesus asks no less of those who belong to Him. May our offerings grant us the grace of true and fruitful repentance.