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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
As I have mentioned in some of my homilies, I know there is a weight and shadow that is following many around. It manifests physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Now as we approach the season of Lent, some are ready while others feel that this past year has been like Lent. While going through this, I know many are still waiting to hear from the Lord for encouragement, something to lift them up. This reminds me of a scripture passage I had heard at a funeral for a former co-worker and have also seen recently noticed while praying the Liturgy of the Hours. It comes from the minor prophet Habbakuk, which many might not have heard of. At the end of this book, we read these words:
“I hear, and my body trembles; at the sound, my lips quiver. Decay invades my bones, my legs tremble beneath me. I await the day of distress that will come upon the people who attack us. For though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit appears on the vine, though the yield of the olive fails and the terraces produce no nourishment, though the flocks disappear from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord and exult in my saving God. God, my Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet swift as those of deer and enables me to tread upon the heights.” (NABRE, Habakkuk 3:16-19)
Maybe you can relate to the beginning of this passage. Note though after expressing this sorrow and drudgery of life where their hope lies; in the Lord. As the Lord mentions in the lesson about the fig tree, He states, “But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. (Luke 21:28).” To me, this is an excellent reminder as we begin the season of Lent. Bring it all before the Lord! The season reminds us that the Lord takes on our struggles, lifts them up, and reminds us of our redemption and salvation.
On a more practical note, I am going to end my bulletin article discussing Ash Wednesday. Traditionally in the USA, we receive the ashes on our foreheads. However, this is being modified to the current pandemic. Here are the instructions from Rome as well as the USCCB of what will happen:
“After blessing the ashes and sprinkling them with holy water in silence, the priest addresses those present, reciting once the formula found in the Roman Missal: ‘Repent, and believe in the Gospel’ or ‘Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return’. At that point, the note continues, the priest ‘cleanses his hands, puts on a face mask, and distributes ashes to those who come to him or, if appropriate, he goes to those who are standing in their places.’ He then sprinkles the ashes on each person’s head ‘without saying anything.’”
I know that this might seem strange, but this is the common practice in many countries throughout the world. There will probably be some who say, “I am comfortable with receiving the ashes on my forehead.” This is what is being asked of us at this time. The season of Lent reminds us that we are called to sacrifice the things we want to be more open to where the Lord wants to lead us. I am grateful though that we will be able to offer this important practice to so many. That is why we are also adding additional services to accommodate those who like to receive ashes as you begin Lent.
Finally, please be on the lookout for a mail-out going out to all registered parishioners in the parish. We have a great group of dedicated volunteers and staff members working this past two weeks to put this mail-out together. I hope this will help to let you know what is going on in the parish for Lent and most especially that you are being prayed for.
Through the Alliance of the Two Hearts,
Fr. Matthew