Let’s Do Something Different!

 In Pastor's Notes-Fr. Ritche

What should I do to make Lent 2022 different? That was a question asked of me several days ago. It made me pause and reflect. Really, how can we make this year’s Lenten observance different?

Every year, the Church asks us three very basic and important things as we embark on our Lenten journey: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. And every year we struggle on what to do. This year, I’d like to recommend a very different way to commit to these three disciplines of Lent. INVITE! Yes, INVITE! What do I mean by that?

The gospel reading for the First Sunday of Lent reminds us about the role of the Holy Spirit. Luke tells us that filled with the Spirit and driven by the Spirit, Jesus was led to the desert to pray and fast. Today let us allow that same Spirit to drive us on our Lenten challenge to INVITE!

Prayer. There are many things we can do to pray. The parish offers many opportunities and has given us tools and resources in growing our friendship with Jesus – Monday and Tuesday sessions on prayer and reflection, Black Books, Give us This Day, and the Hallow App. Imagine inviting one person every day for forty days to pray with, have coffee and a faith discussion or a simple meaningful dialogue, and reflect. Have a prayer partner. Who could that be? A family member, friend, co-worker or a neighbor? Think how that could make a difference in our lives and in the life of others. How about inviting someone to our Sunday Liturgy? Tell the person you invite about your experience in coming to church. Maybe share how safe it is to gather in person. Share with the person about the importance of Sunday worship. It is certainly deeper than an obligation. It is about Remembering, Celebrating, and Giving thanks!

Fast. Certainly, this is important, but fasting is more than refraining from our favorite food. Matthew Kelly once said we should not fast from chocolates during Lent. Mr. Kelly of course is using this as a metaphor. Chocolate is something that most of us love to eat. So why fast from what we love and like doing if it is helping us grow in our relationship with God and others. As we fast this year, let us think of what is inhibiting us from inviting someone to be part of our prayer life? Fast from what is stopping us from picking up the phone, sending a text message or an email to say: “Do you want to join me for Mass or reflection?” Or maybe Fast from our apprehensions in responding and saying YES to the invitation. Be open this Lent. God is inviting us!

Almsgiving. God loves a cheerful giver says St. Paul. This Lent, perhaps we can intentionally invite someone to our outreach programs. How about an invitation to Sacred Heart Community Center or other outreach centers and programs? Almsgiving is about opening our hearts, minds, eyes, and ears to others. Who is God asking us to invite into a meaningful dialogue or the process of healing and mending relationships?

We have forty days to invite someone to join us on our journey through the Lenten desert to pray, fast and give alms. Forty days of preparation to a greater invitation to the solemnity of Easter where all of us can feast on God’s mercy, forgiveness, healing, and life-giving love.

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