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.
Today is also St. Patrick’s Day. We don’t celebrate his Mass today because of the Second Sunday of Lent. But we certainly can celebrate St. Patrick. His intersession is really needed again this year as the UK leaves the EU and a border wall is being called for between Ireland and Northern Ireland. I agree with Pope Francis that bridges are better than walls, both in Ireland and in the US.
We celebrate another great saint this week on the 19th, Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and one of the patrons of the Congregations of Holy Cross. Did you know the Holy Cross Brothers were founded as the Brothers of Saint Joseph?
In our first reading today from Genesis, we see God making a covenant with Abram. Abram offers God a sacrifice and God gives the land to Abram and his descendants. God then changes Abram’s name to Abraham. Lent is a good time to strengthen our covenant with God.
In today’s Gospel we see Jesus’ Transfiguration. Moses, the law, and Elijah, the prophets, appear with him in his glory. The Father announces: “This is my Chosen Son, listen to him.” Lent is a good time to listen to Jesus.
In our second reading, Saint Paul reminds us of the resurrection. “He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body.” Lent prepares for Easter.
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.