My dear friends,
Praise be Jesus Christ now and forever!
As many of you know, on March 30th at 7:00 pm, our Diocese will gather in Immaculate Conception Church for the annual Chrism Mass. This is one of the most beautiful celebrations of our diocesan life. During this sacred liturgy, our bishop blesses the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens, and consecrates the Sacred Chrism that will be used throughout the year in our parishes. These holy oils remind us that the Church’s sacramental life flows from Jesus Christ Himself, who continues to heal, strengthen, and sanctify His people.
The Chrism Mass is also a powerful sign of the unity of the Church. Priests, deacons, religious, and the faithful gather with the bishop as one family of faith. During the Mass, priests renew the promises they made on the day of their ordination, recommitting themselves to serve Christ and His people with faithful hearts. It is a deeply moving moment and a beautiful opportunity for the faithful to pray for their priests and for the whole Church as we prepare to enter the sacred days of Holy Week.
This Fourth Sunday of Lent invites us to reflect on another profound theme: God leads His people from darkness into light. Throughout Scripture, we see that God never abandons His people but continually guides them toward new life. In the Book of Exodus, the Lord led Israel through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. This powerful image reveals a God who is not distant but actively present. The cloud shaded the people during the heat of the day, and the fire illuminated the darkness of night. God was their constant guide.
For us today, this visible presence points to the work of the Holy Spirit. Like the Israelites who followed the cloud, we are called to follow the Spirit’s guidance in our lives. Sometimes our journey can feel like a wilderness—uncertain, difficult, or confusing—but the promise remains: God walks before us and protects us from behind.
As St. Paul reminds us, “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” Through Baptism we are called to live as children of light, reflecting goodness, righteousness, and truth in our daily lives.
In the Gospel, the man born blind shows this transformation beautifully. Jesus, the Light of the World, not only restores his sight but leads him to faith. His journey reminds us that when we humbly open our hearts to Christ, He helps us see clearly. May this Lenten season help us trust the Lord’s guidance, open our eyes to His presence, and shine His light in the world. Amen
God loves you! ~ Fr. Neil