Dear Parishioners,
Wow, we’re in the first week of Lent already. Seems like we just finished the Christmas Season. Lent is the season to pray, fast, and give alms. All three practices need to be real and should lead us closer to Jesus. Every Christian needs to take these disciplines seriously. Everyone can pray, fast, and give alms in appropriate and meaningful ways. They are the ways to grow in holiness. Our goal this Lent should be to grow in holiness. Go to the desert with Christ through works of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. In that desert, we will come to know Christ our Lord, and at Easter will emerge a more holy person. A great journey of faith during this Lenten season.
In Mark’s Gospel this week (Mark 1:12–15), we are told that Jesus went into the desert for 40 days immediately after his baptism, led by the Spirit. Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee begins after his temptation in the desert. The fact that Jesus spent 40 days in the desert is significant. This recalls the 40 years that the Israelites wandered in the desert after being led from slavery in Egypt. The prophet Elijah also journeyed in the desert for 40 days and nights, making his way to Horeb, the mountain of God, where he was also attended to by an angel of the Lord. There are many other examples. The number 40 in scripture symbolizes testing and trial for spiritual preparation in growing closer to God. Remembering the significance of these events, we also set aside 40 days for the season of Lent. This is to prepare ourselves for new growth in holiness. We come out of the ashes into new life in Christ.
Don’t be afraid to be holy! Holiness is feeling the presence of Christ within your heart, and allowing that presence to guide, support, and inspire you to live a life that conforms with what God wants of you. Are you ready to go into the desert?
God Bless,
Deacon Howard
