At the Threshold of Lent

03-03-2019Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

Dear Parishioners,

Congratulations and thanks to everyone for a very successful Parish Picnic (Backyard Bash) last weekend. We thank God that everything went well with the celebration and for the beautiful weather. Special thanks to all the coordinators, Lani Gore and the Parish Choir, the Staff, Knights of Columbus, Helping Hands and all those who worked so hard to make the picnic possible. The celebration of the picnic is our way of sharing our faith, love and God’s blessings with one another as a community. It was a wonderful and memorable time for all of us. It was nice to see everyone looking so happy, I love the laughter, the music, the games and all the fun. I am already looking forward to next year’s celebration with hope.

At the Threshold of Lent

Wednesday this week, March 6th, is Ash Wednesday and also the beginning of the season of Lent. Three common questions I was asked by the children when I visited their classes were: Whose ashes do we use on Ash Wednesday, why do we receive ashes and why do we fast or abstain from some food during Lent? The Ashes we use are made from the palms we blessed on Palm Sunday of the previous year. The 40 days and 40 nights of Lent are traditionally a period of purification and self-renewal. During Lent, the Church asks us to repent of all our sins and renew our decision to turn away from all evils in preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. We begin Lent on Ash Wednesday by receiving ashes on our forehead as a sign of our repentance from our sins and to remind us that we were made from the dust of the earth and will return back to dust at death.

During the season of Lent, many people do make Lenten promises to fast or abstain from certain things. Fasting is a voluntary avoidance of some food or behaviors to help us have control over our bodily passions so as to free our souls for prayers. By refraining from eating, we also save food or money that we can give to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Anyone over the age of 18, but under the age of 60 is expected to fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday; unless they are sick or on medication. Fasting and abstinence can be observed in many ways such as complete fast by abstaining from all food, avoid taking snacks between meals or avoid eating particular food. Apart from fasting, we are also encouraged to make Lenten promises during Lent such as developing new good habits like going to Mass, setting aside times for daily prayers, reading the Bible, helping others etc. Please check the bulletin and the parish website for Mass schedules on Ash Wednesday.

Thank you and Remain Blessed.
Fr. James