This year, there is a constant theme throughout the Sunday readings. It is that of the covenant—which is an agreement between two parties whereby certain promises are made. A covenant is much more binding than a contract. A contract can be broken or voided, although some penalty would be incurred. A covenant is much more binding and involves harsh consequences to the breaker of the covenant. The covenants about which we will be hearing are between God and his people. This weekend we hear about the first of the Old Testament covenants—the one between God and Noah (Genesis 9:8-15; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:12-15). Because sin and evil had grown so widespread, God sent a terrible rain which flooded the land and destroyed all the evil doers. Noah, because he was faithful to God, was spared along with his family. Afterwards, God establishes a covenant with Noah promising never to flood the whole earth again.
This past Sunday when we celebrated a baptism, the blessing of the water reminded the congregation of Noah and the flood. The flood served as a symbol of what one of the purposes of the sacrament is, namely to wash away original sin and any actual sins that may have been committed by an older catechumen. Yet even after baptism, there is still the attraction of sin, and we succumb to temptations. That is why this season of Lent is so important. It reminds us of our past sins and offers us the opportunity to repent and to build up resistance to future sins as we strengthen our spiritual muscles.
See page 4 of the 2/22/2015 bulletin for a list of available activities, and may you have a blessed Lent.
- Father Carl
“Be giving of yourself to others. People need
to be open and generous toward others because if
you withdraw into yourself, you run the risk of becoming
egocentric. And stagnant water becomes putrid.”
Pope Francis’ “Secrets to Happiness” (#2 of 10)
