Brothers and Sisters,
Lent is approaching quickly. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which, this year, falls on February 18th. Our Ash Wednesday liturgy gives a great explanation of the significance of Lent:
The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful, were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church. In this manner, the whole Congregation was put in mind of the message of pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need that all Christians continually have to renew our repentance and faith. I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and alms-giving; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.
Lent is ultimately about drawing nearer to Jesus in faith and repentance. It’s about the message of pardon for sinners in Christ. Lent isn’t a gloomy burden; it’s a wonderful opportunity. I look forward to journeying through Lent with you. I encourage you to begin your observance of Lent by attending our Ash Wednesday service on the 18th at 5:30 p.m. I hope to see you there.
In Christ,
Fr. Caleb