Dear Friends,
As I write this, we are witnessing day six of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. I pray that peace will come by the time you read this. What a painful tragedy, what terrible suffering for so many people, and what danger as well to Europe and to all the world. We must pray fervently for the people of Ukraine and for all world leaders in this most dangerous moment. May reason and love conquer this evil.
We have come to the first Sunday of Lent. A time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving preparing us to celebrate our Lord’s victory on Easter Sunday. I hope you have chosen what you are going to give to our Lord during this holy season. By that I mean God has given us life itself and then redeemed us by the Blood of His Son. Our efforts in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are not to see how much perseverance or strength of will we may have, but to open ourselves up to His love ~ to show our love in return. As we let go of the things that we so often cling to, we make more room for God and for His grace in our lives.
Be sure to consciously and prayerfully choose what you are going to do. Lent is not simply fasting or abstaining from our favorite foods or drinks ~ how about from social media or the media in general. Lent is also a time for more prayer, Bible reading, Adoration, daily Mass, Confession, Stations of the Cross, Rosary. It could even be spending quality time with family, loved ones, friends, the elderly, those in need. Almsgiving is a powerful tool in the spiritual journey and can atone for sins that have been confessed.
There are plenty of online resources that are very beneficial as well to guide us spiritually through these days. Be sure to check those out. As I have mentioned before, you can always change up whatever you choose to do, week by week, if you find that helpful. Just don’t let these days slip by.
We often feel weak or perhaps insecure, especially in these times. But the victory has been won by Jesus Christ. He has paid the debt we could not. By His Blood, we have access to God’s Throne of Mercy. We are beloved by Him, and He will bring us into His presence, into His Kingdom, as we continue to persevere in faith, hope, and charity, following in the footsteps of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, and humbly surrendering ourselves to His Will.
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
Post Script ~ We received word that this weekend’s collection for the Churches in Eastern Europe will be earmarked to go to Ukraine. Thank you for your generous support.
