On Ash Wednesday we started our 40 day journey of Lent. That day's Gospel told us the three things we need to do during Lent: pray, fast and give alms. In our extra Lenten prayer this year, let us spend some time listening to God, not just saying prayers but listening to God's answers. We are called to fast officially only on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, but we can give up something to show God, we love him more than what we give up. We can also give alms from the money we save by eating less. We can also give alms by helping our brothers and sisters in need. It might be financial but it could also be a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, or words of encouragement. Our project for Lent is simply to love God and neighbor more.
Our Gospel for the First Sunday of Lent always has Jesus in the desert for 40 days. Thus Lent is 40 days. Mark's Gospel today is the shortest. It simply says Jesus was in the desert for 40 days and was tempted by Satan. "He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him." It doesn't mention the temptations. It just says the temptations were there and he overcame then, before beginning his public ministry. Jesus' message was simple, too: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel," Part of the human condition is temptation. We will be tempted to do wrong. Let's take Jesus' words seriously and repent and believe the Gospel. As our second reading tells us according to the first Letter of St. Peter, "Christ suffered for our sins" to lead us to God. He then talks about Noah and the ark as does our first reading. The cleaning of evil from the flood is a sign of Baptism, our own Baptism, when sin is washed away. Think of that whenever you see a rainbow, after all God tells Noah that is a sign of God's covenant with us. God is good all the time. We, too, should be good all the time, especially since we have in our Seven Sacraments the signs of God's goodness and presence in our lives.
We continue to have Mass on Sundays at 8:15 and 10:30 AM, masked and socially distanced. Cheryl and Francine put it on line shortly thereafter. I think we should all thank them for this. This afternoon at 1 PM there will be a zoom presentation for Black History Month with lots of music. Deacon Mel is starting his Bible Study this week. Faith in Indiana from the parish continues to zoom on Friday afternoons at 4 PM. Congratulations to this group for their work on the use of force by the police. The Soup Kitchen continues MWF and our St. Vincent de Paul group delivers food almost every day to shut ins. If you have some time to help, just let us know.
The pandemic continues but seems to be letting up a little, so get your vaccination as soon as you are eligible. I got my second shot on the 12th with no side effects. As you know, I was a pastor in Houston for several years and lived in San Antonio and Austin and spent 11 years in Monterrey, Mexico. Yes, the cold even went that far south with lots of suffering and broken pipes. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in the south. Remember to follow our parish calendar for Black History Month.