Each season of the "Church year" is unique and special and asks us to focus on a different aspect of salvation history through the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Lenten season is generally recognized as the most challenging of the seasons, because in part, we are called to get out of our normal routine for 40 days and let the Lord work in and through us as we journey with Jesus both in the desert (1st Sunday) on the mountain (2nd Sunday) and then in encounters with a sinful woman (3rd Sunday), a blind man (4th Sunday) and a dead man and his sorrow-filled sisters (5th Sunday).
With the coronavirus spreading in our country, more and more our "normal" lives are being altered, often without our consent, we are, this Lent being put in a position to truly put more of our focus on our faith in Jesus Christ, and grow in his image and likeness without, for a time anyway, the nourishment of the Holy Eucharist. It is important that we do not let the devil get his way with us and lead us into doing things in our altered routine of life that will do nothing but draw us away from the Lord and the comfort, love and peace that he can give to us anytime, but especially in trying times.
If you are already grounded in the practice of Eucharistic Adoration, continue to let that time with Jesus (which for many in our parish is for one hour) help you to, among other things to "mourn our sins and close by you (Jesus) to stay. (From the song, "Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days.") Come to the spiritually healing Sacrament of Reconciliation at the additional times that are offered (see bulletin or go to https://www.hsvsacredheart.com), and experience the mercy of God and forgiveness of our sins. If you can't get out to see people who are sick and lonely, take some time to call them, and if you are able, offer to do something for them, like going to get their groceries at the store. If you get EWTN, consider spending at least an hour watching one of their programs and/or participate in their recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, the rosary and firstly, the Mass. Pray the Stations of the Cross at least once a week using one of the booklets we have at Church and return them when you are finished using them at Church. PRAY, PRAY and PRAY some more for our country's and Church's leaders and for those who have responsibilities in trying to get this pandemic under control and those who care for the sick.
Remember and meditate on the 23rd Psalm especially the words "Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are at my side........." It is difficult indeed when nobody knows when "this" (the coronavirus pandemic) will be a thing of the past and we can resume our "normal" lives. Taking advantage of the opportunities the Lord and the Church provides for us, hopefully will lead to changes that make our future "normal" lives filled with joy and peace in the Lord and more focused on the things that are eternal, which will be better than anything this changing world can ever offer!!
With the coronavirus spreading in our country, more and more our "normal" lives are being altered, often without our consent, we are, this Lent being put in a position to truly put more of our focus on our faith in Jesus Christ, and grow in his image and likeness without, for a time anyway, the nourishment of the Holy Eucharist. It is important that we do not let the devil get his way with us and lead us into doing things in our altered routine of life that will do nothing but draw us away from the Lord and the comfort, love and peace that he can give to us anytime, but especially in trying times.
If you are already grounded in the practice of Eucharistic Adoration, continue to let that time with Jesus (which for many in our parish is for one hour) help you to, among other things to "mourn our sins and close by you (Jesus) to stay. (From the song, "Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days.") Come to the spiritually healing Sacrament of Reconciliation at the additional times that are offered (see bulletin or go to https://www.hsvsacredheart.com), and experience the mercy of God and forgiveness of our sins. If you can't get out to see people who are sick and lonely, take some time to call them, and if you are able, offer to do something for them, like going to get their groceries at the store. If you get EWTN, consider spending at least an hour watching one of their programs and/or participate in their recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, the rosary and firstly, the Mass. Pray the Stations of the Cross at least once a week using one of the booklets we have at Church and return them when you are finished using them at Church. PRAY, PRAY and PRAY some more for our country's and Church's leaders and for those who have responsibilities in trying to get this pandemic under control and those who care for the sick.
Remember and meditate on the 23rd Psalm especially the words "Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are at my side........." It is difficult indeed when nobody knows when "this" (the coronavirus pandemic) will be a thing of the past and we can resume our "normal" lives. Taking advantage of the opportunities the Lord and the Church provides for us, hopefully will lead to changes that make our future "normal" lives filled with joy and peace in the Lord and more focused on the things that are eternal, which will be better than anything this changing world can ever offer!!