We have started the 40 days of Lent, our solemn preparation for Easter. In the Gospel on Ash Wednesday, Jesus gave us the three things we should do during Lent, Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. To help us pray a little more, we have several prayer aids in the foyer. There are Lenten Calendars for adults, children and teens. There is an Ash Wednesday holy card. There is a small booklet with daily recollections. To help with fasting or eating less, there is a small magnet for your refrigerator. For helping the poor, you might use the Rice Bowls that go to Catholic Relief Services at the end of Lent or just be more generous to those in need.
On Tuesday, the Tolton Society held our annual Mardi Gras. It was the biggest we’ve had in my ten years here as pastor. If you came, you saw we even had to set up tables in the foyer. Thanks to the Tolton Society and all the volunteers who helped make it a great Mardi Gras and thanks to all who came and let the good times roll! The saints came marching in with umbrellas and handkerchiefs and great live music. Having lived in New Orleans for three years when I was first ordained, I’d love to have that gumbo, dirty rice, red beans and rice every week.
In our first reading today, Moses tells the people to be grateful to God and to offer God the first fruits of their labor, since God has given us everything.
In our second reading, Paul offers us a great promise: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
In today’s Gospel we have Jesus in the desert for forty days being tempted by the devil. Jesus rejects the temptations with some very profound words: “One does not live on bread alone. You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve. You shall not put the Lord, your God to the test.” Hopefully we too can answer temptations in the same way.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Father Tolton Prayer:Father in Heaven, Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.