Spiritual Reflection

As you can see from the picture, a new season in our Church has begun.  Color purple and the ashes on the altar signify this special time of the year when we reflect on the Supreme Sacrifice our Lord made for us.  

I began my reflection asking when does Lent begin because for many of our Catholic friends it began a long time ago.  Last week while conducting a parish mission in Hays, Kansas I was reminded how many people have been engaged in a Lent of their own for some time.  When we conduct a parish mission, we make it a point to offer Mass and visits to the nursing homes in the parish.  These wonderful people began their lent the day they entered this new place.  They had to leave their homes; their privacy and independence has pretty much disappeared and the suffering and pain of their health is a heavy burden.  I have nothing but the utmost admiration for our brothers and sisters who are earning graces for us.  I am blessed to minister as a priest because these people offer their pain and sacrifice to God and He blesses us.  To them I say Thank You.

So when I get the urge to tell people what I am doing for Lent, I now keep it to myself.  These people I visited have Lent all the time.  My small sacrifice is not much compared to theirs.  God bless them!