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March 2007 Issue
Bishop's column
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My dear friends,
On Ash Wednesday, we were marked once again with the sign
of ashes to symbolize the beginning of our Lenten journey,
and of our willingness to undertake the course that brings
us to Easter with hearts and minds renewed by the word
of God and by our own penitential practices. |
The Lenten disciplines of fasting, almsgiving
and prayer, prescribed to us by
the church, are undertaken in remembrance of the passion of
Christ, as well as a reminder to ourselves of our own need for
continual repentance and conversion.
The penitential season of Lent helps to prepare
us for the great celebrations of the paschal mystery and the
sacred triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. During
this time of intense spiritual preparation, we ready ourselves
to renew our own baptismal promises at Easter. We support
our catechumens, who are preparing for baptism, and the candidates
who will be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter
Vigil.
As I reflect on Lent these days, it is from
a much different perspective than when I was young. In youth,
Lent seemed like a dreaded time when many things that I liked
to do were prohibited. As a youngster, I would go to the movies
on Saturday afternoon with friends. That was out! Candy and
other desserts were out! And, of course, I got tired of macaroni
and cheese. A plus was that during those days, Lent and Lenten
practices ended at noon on Holy Saturday – so I hit
the movies; not a very spiritual action. I won’t even
address the notion of Lent being a time to diet rather than
fast. With a more mature and deeper faith, I, like you, understand
and appreciate that Lent is an opportunity
to draw closer to the Lord; to examine my life and priorities
in the light of Christ’s teachings; and to reflect on
my love and concern for my neighbor, both locally and globally.
The Lenten practices of our youth were of value and remind
us of Lent but lacked the insight that the years of wisdom
bring.
Our Lenten efforts lead us to Holy Week, when
we will gather on Palm Sunday to celebrate the triumphant
entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, quickly followed by the
Passion account. Here in the Diocese of Grand Rapids, our
priests, deacons, religious and representatives from all of
our parishes will gather with me for the Chrism Mass on the
Tuesday evening of Holy Week to celebrate the gifts of priesthood,
of the Eucharist and to bless the sacred oils. The oils will
be used in our parishes throughout the year for baptisms,
anointing of the sick and confirmations.
On Holy Thursday, we will gather in our parishes
to celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, marking
the institution of the Eucharist. On Good Friday, we will
remember the death of the Lord and, on Easter, his triumphant
victory over sin, darkness and death. It is at Easter that
we formally receive and welcome new members of the church
through baptism.
I encourage you to enter into these sacred
mysteries by participating in all of the celebrations of Holy
Week taking place in your parish. Holy Thursday, Good Friday
and Easter are the great holy days of the church. It also
would be an honor to have you join me at the Cathedral of
Saint Andrew during these great holy days.
Indeed, throughout the entire season of Lent, I encourage
your participation in the Eucharistic celebrations in your
parishes, as well as in special Lenten faith formation programs,
devotions and opportunities to celebrate the sacrament of
reconciliation. I invite everyone to use this grace-filled
time as an opportunity to draw closer to the Lord and one
another.
Christ has died, Christ is risen and Christ
will come again.
Let us rejoice in his victory and our
sharing in that victory.
May the blessings of God be with all of you.
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