My beloved sisters and brothers
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!
As we start our 40-days Lenten journey this question will always come out: What are you giving up for Lent? For me, this question leads me to reflect on how I would spend my 40 days of Lent and what can I add more to deepen my relationship to Jesus. “Giving up” things this Season of Lent, is to remind us of the pain and suffering Jesus experienced at the Paschal mystery and reminded us of our dependence on God. The purpose of “giving up something” during Lent is to bring us closer to God; putting God at the center of our lives and prioritizing Him.
Thus, if you want to give up coffee – just do it! And ask yourself “How will that bring me closer to Jesus?” Maybe, it could bring you closer to Jesus in that every time you start craving coffee, it will be your cue to be in prayer; to do good and to help others.
This weekend is the First Sunday of Lent, which presents to us the narrative of Jesus’ prayer and fasting in the desert and also the temptation by the devil. It reminds us that life is a constant struggle against the devil but we are invited to trust in the power of God’s Word, the power of Prayer and to have Faith in God. Remember that just as Jesus was tested, we too encounter trials in life and that we are not alone—God’s love and grace sustain us in all our struggles.
So, as we journey through Lent, let us draw strength from Jesus, trusting in God’s word and resisting temptation. May this season bring us closer to God and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. Amen.
God Loves You Always! – Fr. NEIL