starting his public ministry. He wanted his spirit to be strong for the hard days ahead. Lent is the time when we,
as Catholics, fast, pray and do good works to strengthen our spirits, too, like Jesus.
Picture in your mind how Jesus went into the desert alone. Did you ever have a time when you felt that you
needed to be by yourself? We adults will sometimes take a walk, sit in our favorite spot and read or just find
peace and solitude by thinking, daydreaming or pondering alone. I bet a lot of you have a favorite “place” to find
quiet. Jesus did just that—in the desert. God, His Father, watched over him, and had the animals keep him company.
Jesus just thought and prayed for 40 days.
We ourselves can’t go out into the desert, but I hope each of you find your “special place” where you can pray
and think about what you might do during the holy season of Lent: Fasting – eating less food; Praying – talking
and listening to God; Doing good works such as being kind to others and helping the poor. (Maybe helping
someone with shoveling snow!). Be sure to check the bulletin for all the Lenten activities happening in our Parish.
Spiritually, Lent is a time to pray, attend Mass with your family, do the Stations of the Cross, and maybe read a
Bible story each night with your family. Lent is a season for forgiveness, for looking into your heart to find more
kindness and understanding. Instead of giving up your favorite food, videogame, or television show, why not
work on a weakness you might have? It may be impatience, laziness, not listening, jealousy, or failing to forgive.
Begin each day asking God to show you how to overcome that fault. Make a point of understanding, or listening
and speaking to, a particular person to whom you have difficulty relating. You will find personal satisfaction in
knowing that, not just during Lent but always, you can be a little bit better as a person.
Finally, look around the Church these days. No flowers, the color purple, a desert feel to the atmosphere—and
ashes on your forehead. These are all signs that we are frail humans, sorry for our wrongdoings. Although this
season is drab, colorless, etc., it is all in preparation for the joyous and glorious day of New Life, Easter Sunday,
the day Jesus rose from the dead!
Reflection by Faith Formation Director, Marie Mullen