Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 19, 2023
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February 18, 2023
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time/ Quinquagesima Sunday
Sunday, February 19, 2023
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
On Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, this coming week, the Catholic Church throughout the world will begin the solemn season of prayer, fasting, penance, and almsgiving known as Lent. I like to recall that the word “Lent”, used only in the English-speaking world, goes way back to ancient Anglo-Saxon days. You can still see it in the sense of “lengthening” referring to the time of longer days or what we call spring. Thus, Lent is springtime for our souls. It is that special time of year when the Church in the name of our Lord and Savior calls all of its members to conversion and new life in Christ. The Lord Himself invites us to enter more fully into the great mystery of His death and resurrection.
In conversation some speak about the traditional practices of Lent as if they live only in the past, in quaint memories of yesteryear. I have even heard some say that they observe a “modern” Lent, which leaves off penance and even prayer and focuses only on works of charity. What is the correct way to think about Lent? The tradition of the Church will always offer to men and women of good will the tried-and-true means and methods utilized by the saints who have gone before us and those who are striving to be saints today. It is the Way of Our Lord Jesus Christ set down for the ages. Therefore, an authentic, complete, Catholic Lent, must involve prayer, penance, and almsgiving, not just one or the other or nothing at all. Saint Pope John Paul II, who was beatified in May 2011 and canonized a saint in April 2014, mirrored all three in his heroic, holy life. We are called by name to do the same, using the identical certain means the Church places before us to open our lives to the desired result of union with God on earth in anticipation of eternal happiness with Him in heaven.
Please take a few moments now during these days before Lent to formulate your Lenten plan. Prayerfully, in your heart of hearts, look at your life in the light of the teachings and demands of Christ and His Church; and then formulate, even in writing, your personal Lenten program. Do this right now before you forget! Don’t delay! Time is fleeting! Then as you receive the blessed ashes on Ash Wednesday begin your holy Lenten journey to Easter. No Lent, no real Easter! No cross, no crown, no glory! May you have the best Lent of your life!
Please note our schedule for Ash Wednesday on February 22nd. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be celebrated at 8:15 A.M. (School), Noon, and at 7:00 P.M. Ashes will be blessed and distributed at all Masses. Please consult our bulletin for the Lenten regulations and other Lenten events in the parish.
Lent is a great time to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass daily. We should have an army of retired people and others storming heaven with their prayers at our daily Masses. What a small sacrifice to make? Don’t just lament the problems around us but do something about it. Join our prayer army! And thank you for all you do to further the Kingdom of God.
Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor
