How is your Lent going? Are you taking some time to cultivate your relationship with the Lord? Change and growth takes time and we cannot rush things to completion. We probably would like to see results from our living a Lenten discipline immediately but like the fig tree in Jesus‘ parable today , it may take more time and we must be patient. If we are looking for immediate results we may get frustrated and give up and Jesus is trying to tell us not to give up, but to continue to realize that we are in need of repentance and continue to change our hearts. It is an important part of the conversion process that we humbly admit that we are sinners and that we need to return to God. God like the gardener in the parable is patiently waiting for us to bear fruit and return to Him. We are blessed that our God is a patient and loving God and He will wait for us. He will not wait forever as the final line of the Gospel indicates we must at some time choose to turn our hearts and wills over to Him.
If God is patient in waiting for us should we be any less patient with our neighbors, families, and friends. We almost expect God to give us time to change and live as we should but are we willing to give those around us the same room to grow? We expect God to cultivate and help us to flourish but are we willing to be as kind to others especially those who have hurt us or that we judge are in the wrong. God is a merciful God. Are we merciful to one another? Jesus points out to the people in the Gospel that all are sinners and all have difficulties and problems. If we see the need for our brothers and sisters to repent do we see the same need in ourselves? We can be so quick to judge another and yet we expect God to be slow to judgment when it comes to our behavior. Lent is a time for us to cultivate our relationship with God and it is also a time for us to cultivate our relationship with one another. Remember it takes time but it is worth it.
Our Lady of Hope has a new committee. We have recently had the first meeting of the Adult Education committee of the parish. You can look forward to information and experiences coming from this group to benefit the spiritual and educational parts of the parish. We will be looking to all of you to help us by letting us know what areas of Adult Ed you are interested in. We will try to provide as much information and opportunities that we can. Pray for the success of this new group. Their work can be a real asset to the people of Our Lady of Hope.
For the next three weeks our RCIA class will participate in the Scruntinies ceremonies at the 9:30 mass. These rites based on the cycle ”A” Gospel readings are the final steps of preparation for them as they prepare for the Easter Sacraments. Those who attend the 9:30 Mass will hear the Gospels of the Canaanite Woman at the Well, The Man Born Blind and the raising of Lazarus. The scruntinies are based on these readings. Please keep our RCIA class in your prayers during this Lenten season. They are special to the parish and these last weeks are crucial to the decision they have made to be full members of the church. Plan on welcoming them with your attendance at the Triduum rites and liturgies.
Have a Great Week. Pray for Your Parish. Know that you are loved and live that love. Happy Lent.
Fr. Clem