Today is the First Sunday of Lent and we hear of the temptations of Jesus in the Gospel. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record how Jesus went out into the desert after His baptism in the Jordan to fast and pray. Jesus went to the desert to prepare Himself for the ministry He was about to begin. The devil tempts Him to use His power as God to show everyone who He is; changing stones into bread, throwing Himself off the temple, and gaining the whole world by bowing down to the devil. Jesus came to reveal to us the glory of God through His love and mercy, but not in way that we would be overcome by His power. Jesus came to show us God’s love by acts of love and mercy based on our willingness to open our minds and hearts to God in faith.
Even now 2000 years later Jesus comes to us in the same way. As we listen to the Word of God we are not overcome by the power of His Word, but His Word challenges us to love God and neighbor. Jesus heals today as He did when He walked the earth as He touches us through the Church and the sacraments. He does this especially in the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. These are powerful signs of God’s love and power which we can only see through the eyes of faith. Jesus never wishes to overpower us; He simply wants to invite us to come to Him, believe in Him and love Him.
Lent is a great opportunity to grow in our relationship with Jesus, a relationship that began at our baptism and can only grow stronger by our turning to Him. Lent has many opportunities to turn to Jesus by participating in the sacrament more often, making sure we go to confession and go to Mass more often that just on Sundays. There are other opportunities of prayer by attending Stations of the Cross on Friday afternoons and evenings, attending the parish Lenten Mission on March 2 & 3, or making a visit to the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel of Divine Mercy. We can also take more time to carry out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy in our daily lives, helping our brothers and sisters with both their material and spiritual needs.
Lent can be a powerful time of growth in our lives if we but turn to Jesus and ask Him to help us to carry out His Word in our daily lives. From the early Church, Lent was meant to be a time of repentance, which is, turning to the Lord. To repent is more than seeking forgiveness for our sins it is turning to Jesus so that we can become more like Him in all that we do.
This year our diocesan wide Evening of Reconciliation will be on Wednesday, March 4, from 5 to 8 PM in all the churches throughout the diocese. Our parish Communal Penance for Lent will be on Monday, March 9, at 7 PM in the church. Do not be afraid to approach Jesus in confession. He is waiting for you, and He is calling you to come to Him with all His love. Immerse yourself in His ocean of mercy just as He told St. Faustina.
During the season of Lent we pray the Stations of the Cross each Friday afternoon at 2:30 PM with the school children starting February 20 (double check the bulletin for a change in time). We also pray the Stations with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament on Friday evenings at 7 PM in the church. The Stations of the Cross are a very sacred tradition in the Church and a very prayerful way to remember the sufferings and death of Jesus, which He endured for love of us.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Julie Carrick will lead our two-day Lenten Parish Mission, drawing from her book Savior & Sustenance. Through inspiring talks and original sacred music woven throughout each evening, Julie will guide us into a deeper understanding and love of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. This mission is for the whole family engaging, heartfelt, and practical, offering real ways to live and share our Catholic faith in everyday life. Julie’s music, written specifically for Savior & Sustenance, lifts the soul and deepens reflection. During the mission, you will not only encounter the wondrous details of Christ’s life, death, and Resurrection, but also hear powerful, modern-day testimonies of Eucharistic miracles and transformations that flow from receiving Holy Communion. Each of us is invited into an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who gives Himself to us completely in the Eucharist. If you know someone who has grown lukewarm in their faith, please invite them. This mission is a beautiful opportunity to rekindle hearts and reignite a love for Christ and His Church.
Monday & Tuesday, March 2–3 Evening Sessions at 7:00 PM
As members of a living Church, our faith must be personally experienced and then shared. Through the grace of the sacraments and especially in the Eucharistic embrace Christ draws us closer to Himself and invites us into eternal life.
We are very happy to have Julie Carrick return to Sacred Heart Parish during this holy season of Lent. Julie has been with us in the past for a few concerts. We will be able to listen to her beautiful voice again and she will share her faith and insights into the Eucharist. Please make plans to attend and spread the word.
