Well it is hard to believe that we are in Lent already! Before the new Missal was promulgated, the old Preface 1 for Lent read, “Each year you give us this joyful season”. …yes, ‘joyful”! We tend to have a “fit of the glums” when it comes to Lent. But if we understand the season carefully then we comprehend what this joyfulness is about. It is not about sin as such. It would be rather prurient to be preoccupied with our sins, rather it is focusing on our sinfulness which is different because it is looking at the relationship we have with God. This is indeed what Our Blessed Lord did in the desert for 40 days.
I’ve said it before and have no worries saying it again; Lent can be likened to a period of spiritual spring cleaning, a time when we tidy up, sweep up and chuck out those things that stop us from being able to reflect the Easter light of Christ out to the whole world…. and boy does the world need us to reflect the light of Christ into its darkest corners! So take this Lent seriously as a time to deepen your Christian discipleship and witness to the love of Christ.
I am away now from this Sunday until Friday 23rd March. I have a series of Josephite meetings and functions to deal with in Belgium but I am away for so long because of the need to renew my R1 Visa. Pray this goes well please. For the next few weeks there will be some Lenten prayers or reflection instead of my usual message.
May God bless you, your families, and the week ahead,
Fr Aidan Peter