Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment. Perhaps he will again relent and leave behind him a blessing, Offerings and libations for the LORD, your God. (Joel 2:12-14)

2018 is a special year, something rare happens: Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day, February 14, and Easter is on April 1st which is April Fool’s Day. This hasn't happened for 70 years, and while it happens again in 2029, that's it until the next century. How do we help one another to prepare for this special year? Just as Advent is the season of preparation for Christmas, Lent is the season of preparation for Easter. We might have asked one another already “What are you giving up for Lent?” Lent isn’t simply about us “giving up” something and at the end of Lent we return to what we gave up. We might consider looking at Lent this year in a deeper and reflective way. Instead of giving up something, why don’t we turn to God with all of our ups and downs in life, our agendas, struggles, addictions, our sufferings, our unfaithfulness... and ask Him to transform our lives and make us more free as people -- not just freer with God, but in the way we live our lives and love our families. When you fast, pray, and give arms, I invite you to do it with little of reflection. For sure each of us can think of something that gets in the way of our being loving and self-sacrificing.

What pattern of behavior in my life that needs changing?  
What do I need more of in my life?  Patience? Unselfishness?  More loving behavior toward people around me, my spouse or children?

My sincere prayers are with you and yours as we enter this spiritual journey from the ashes to the tomb. May your heart be filled with faith, hope, and love.

There is no earthly being was more closely united to Jesus than his mother.  She has been involved in every aspect of Christianity since Jesus was conceived. She was with her son at every station of the cross and persevered to the foot of the cross. So we invite her to journey with us as we pray. Hail Mary full of grace...

Peace in Christ,
Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen