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A WORD FROM THE PASTOR
Lent- A Spiritual Springtime
All of us long for joy-real joy that lasts. Yet in the reality of daily life, joy is often mixed with struggle. Moments of happiness can be overshadowed by worries, disappointments, family concerns, health challenges, or the pressures of work and responsibility. These experiences are part of being human, but over time they can weigh heavily on our hearts.
Our lives are full of contrasts. We experience love and hurt, hope and fear, strength and weakness, faith and doubt. At times we feel close to God, confident in his presence. At other times we feel distant, distracted, or discouraged. Slowly and often without realizing it, our joy begins to fade.
The good news is this: God has never stopped calling us back. God remains the source of true and lasting joy. When our relationship with him is alive and growing, joy finds a home in our hearts. When that relationship weakens, joy becomes fragile. Lent is God's loving invitation to renew that relationship and to rediscover the joy that comes from walking closely with him.
Through the prophet Joel, the Lord speaks words meant for each one of us: "Return to me with all your heart" (Joel 2:12). St. Paul reminds us that Lent is "the acceptable time… the day of salvation" (2 Cor 6:2). Lent is not about waiting for the perfect moment. It is about recognizing that now is the moment God offers us grace.
On Ash Wednesday, we were marked with ashes. Those ashes remind us of our fragility and the passing nature of life. But they also speak of hope. Ashes are not the end of the story. They prepare us for renewal and resurrection. They invite us to humility, honesty, and repentance, so that new life and new joy may take root in our hearts.
In the Gospel, Jesus offers us three simple but powerful Lenten practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (Mt 6:1-18). These are not burdens or obligations. They are pathways that gently lead us back to God.
Prayer deepens our relationship with the Lord and keeps us rooted in him. It opens our hearts to listen and to trust. Fasting teaches us self-discipline and helps us recognize what truly satisfies us. It reminds us that we do not live by bread alone. Almsgiving opens our hearts to the needs of others and strengthens our sense of compassion and community.
When we fast, what we save can become a gift for someone in need. When we pray, our hearts grow more patient, forgiving, and compassionate. When we give, we reflect the generosity of Christ himself. What matters is not outward appearance, but sincerity of heart.
Lent is also a time for us to grow together as a parish. It calls us to be attentive to one another, especially to those who are struggling or feeling alone. Each small act of kindness, each prayer offered for another, and each effort to forgive strengthens not only our personal faith but the life of our parish community.
Lent is like a spiritual springtime. After the cold and barrenness of winter, spring brings renewal, hope, and growth. In the same way, Lent prepares our hearts for Easter joy. It invites us to let go of what weighs us down and to make space for God's grace.
As we continue this Lenten journey, let us remember that Lent is not about sadness or fear. It is about returning-returning with trust, humility, and hope. The Lord is not waiting to judge us; he is waiting to welcome us.
May this Lent be a time of renewal for each one of us and for our entire parish family.
In the Service of the Lord,
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