In each of the Sunday Gospels during Ordinary Time, we found Jesus teaching His disciples. He was preparing them to go out and take the Good News to others. As we reflected on the words of the Gospel, we, too, were learn ing what it means to be true disciples. Today, Jesus concludes His instruction and presents the disciples with a choice. The choice is ours to make, also. Do we want to follow Him and testify by our lives that we are serious about discipleship, or are we satisfied with the status quo? Discipleship requires deep faith. Things do not always work out exactly as one would like, but the disciple has the fortitude and the courage to persevere in the face of adversity.
Wednesday of this week, the Lenten Season begins. There will be four opportunities during the day for parishioners to attend Mass and receive the ashes. Ashes remind us once again of our mortality and the importance of repen tance in our daily lives. Lent calls us to pray, fast and give in order to prepare for the celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord at Easter. Consider all the things you want to give up for Lent, but just as seriously, consider all the things you want to do better. Sometimes, the latter are the more difficult choices we need to make.
I invite and encourage you to join the community in the Stations of the Cross each Friday during Lent. The Stations will begin at 5PM following Evening Prayer and Benediction. As usual, we will gather outside to begin the Stations. Following the Stations, I invite you to remain for a simple meal prepared by the Liturgy Committee.
Ash Wednesday is a day of fast and abstinence. We are also asked to abstain from meat on all Fridays during Lent. That is a small sacrifice to make.
Please join us today at noon as our One ‘Ohana celebrates Mardi Gras and discusses practical ideas for prayer, fasting and almsgiving during Lent.
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Lio
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