As we enter into Lent we have some pretty obvious changes in the environment of the Church as well as in the sounds.

First, the traditional color of Lent in purple and represents both the penitential aspect of the Season and also the extreme Mercy and Forgiveness of God, extended to all of us through the Sacrament of Reconciliation by the Church.

Second, in addition to the color purple for priestly vestments and the altar linens, flowers are not permitted in the sanctuary during Lent save for the Third Sunday of Lent Laetare Sunday, which is meant to highlight the joy and rejoicing just before the Great Easter Resurrection.

Third, our music is less joyful and festive during the Sunday Masses, again, except for, Laetare Sunday. We take the time of this Lenten Season to enter more deeply into the penitential aspect of repentance to set ourselves in a deeper
right-relationship with God for the celebration of the Resurrection and gift of everlasting life.

Fourth, Prayer: Without prayer, fasting and almsgiving are merely actions we do out of tradition without much meaning. Prayer is our conversation with God. It is through prayer that we find the strength to fast. It is through prayer that we develop a closer, more intimate relationship with God. This relationship makes us so grateful for the blessings He has bestowed upon us that we eagerly give to those less fortunate than us. The Church, in its wisdom, understands that prayer is essential to any action we Christians may undertake.

Fasting: Fasting is one of the most ancient actions linked to Lent. Fasting rules have changed through the ages, but throughout Church history fasting has been considered sacred. The prophet Isaiah insists that fasting without changing our behavior is not pleasing to God. Therefore, the goal of fasting is linked with prayer. The pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God, and prayer and fasting together brings us to what Lent is about - a deeper conversion.

Almsgiving: It should be obvious by now, that almsgiving is simply a response by us to God, a response that we have come to through prayer and fasting. It is an expression of our gratitude for all that God has given us, and a realization that in the Body of Christ, it is never just "me and God." Through prayer and fasting we come to a deeper understanding that the needs of all are the responsibility of all in the Body of Christ. Works of charity and the promotion of justice are integral elements of the Christian way of life we began when we were baptized.

There are many added liturgies celebrated during the Season of Lent to increase and deepen our prayer life: from all of the Sunday and weekday Masses to the Seven Last Words of Christ and Confessions and Penance Services conveniently offered for your benefit. Fasting while it is an individual action and one that is dependent on one’s age and health, need not be burdensome but rather might be employed to help us who live in the “land of plenty” be more closely connected with those who struggle with food on a more regular basis. Almsgiving can consistent of “time, talent and resources.”

This year our parish will participate in our Lenten Mercy Project which brings food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, family support to those in crisis, care for the imprisoned and more. It is a way for our community to unite together and bring support to families, seniors and the young who are struggling right here in our local area. I encourage you to participate in this wonderful program. We can also look in our “own back yards” as Dorothy told the Good Witch Glenda – our neighbors, friends and family members might need an encouraging word or a helping hand. “There is no place like home” and that’s where we are all heading Home to our Father! A blessed and Happy Lent to all!