And just like that, March is half way over and we are at the third Sunday of Lent! I actually started this note on March 3 and with the Lenten Retreat, Synod listening sessions and all of the other things "Adult Formation," I am just coming back to finish my thoughts. I'm not sure how many of you were at 7:00 pm Mass on Ash Wednesday, but it was inspirational! The church was full of "family members" who have missed each other, the music was wonderful, and Father Rob's homily was spot on! What a special way to enter into this holy season... side by side, promising with our presence, to journey together to the great feast of Easter.
I'm glad that this season is 6 weeks long because it gives us a chance to evaluate how our original plans are going. So, how is Lent going for you??? How is Lent going for you in relationship to others?
Sometimes during Lent we forget about those who are praying, fasting, and giving alms along side of us, and instead we focus on ourselves; we treat these days like a self-improvement plan, but Father Mike Schmitz has a little challenge for us: To Live Lent for Others
If you feel like you are a little off of your Lenten journey path, Sister Janet Schaeffler who led us on our retreat has some tips to get us back on track:
1. Choose an activity that is readily measurable: "I will do an extra act of kindness each day,"
2. Be persistent so that you can keep up the behavior even after Easter: For example when you meet a person say in your heart and head, "I see Christ in you," and treat them that way. Isn't that the point of Lent... a conversion of heart, mind, action?
3. Your Lenten project need not be overly religious: Perhaps you might resolve to be on time for all appointments, meals, and engagements
4. A Lenten opportunity can actually be PLEASANT!!: Reading a book to your toddler every night or telling your spouse you love him/her every day are excellent Lenten practices.
Can you see how these actions aren't just about us, but about others as well? It's never too late to begin a new Lenten practice. Maybe one of these speaks to your heart. Sister Janet gave us a whole list of AWESOME ideas. I will share them over the next two weeks because giving up chocolate and coffee probably just makes us cranky, and that's not good for anyone!
And of course PRAYER is a great practice to add to your Lenten journey. Perhaps joining others in the United States to intentionally pray for the People of Ukraine at 7:00 pm every night for just one minute would be a good add. Or consider praying for our three Catechumens who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil: Tony, Kristina, and Will
Speaking of our catechumens, they will be undergoing the first of three scrutinies at Mass this weekend. That sounds A LOT scarier than it is. Here is what the RCIA handbook says about the scrutinies:
"The scrutinies are meant to uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good."
It might be a good time for us to do a little heart and soul searching too.
When we have people preparing for baptism at Easter Vigil we always read from the Gospel of Matthew during the 3 weeks of scrutinies. This week we hear the story of the Woman at the Well. For an awesome visual take on this story you might want to watch this 8 minute video segment from THE CHOSEN:
As always, there are many things going on at the Parish. There are 3 events coming up and more on the horizon:
1. Everything You Wanted to Know About Your Funeral But Were Afraid to Ask with Father Rob
2. Bread of Life/Breath of Life/Word of Life with Cathy Richard, Indira Oskvarek, and Amy Tolton
3. Perfectly Imperfect: A Women's Retreat
For all of the details and to register, check out the Parish Website:
It's been a while since I've shared a song. This tune is called 40 Days by Matt Maher. The illustrations remind us of the Gospel on the first Sunday of Lent where Jesus spends 40 days in the desert which mirrors our own Lenten journeys. The lyrics, though, are about life giving water which is the theme of our Gospel for this weekend. Jesus is offering us all "living water." He desires to fill us with his life so that we might be a well-spring of hope and love for others. Enjoy!
With hope and joy,
lyn