March 1, 2009 

       Well, Harry & I have been patiently waiting for the opportunity to practice our homiletic skills. We just wish it was under better circumstances with Father sitting in the presiders’ chair. I’m not sure were ready to take off our training wheels yet.

     Being our first time though, we lucked out. This weekend’s readings are pretty easy to preach on. The message is, or should be, fairly clear.

     As Catholics, we have just begun our Lenten journey, on our way to the risen Christ at Easter. The big question is what path each of our journeys will take.

     Today’s Gospel tells us that Christ was driven into the desert by the Spirit, facing temptation & fasting for forty days, subsisting solely on the Word of the Father.

     Just as Noah passed through the waters of the flood receiving a promise of reconciliation between God & the world, in baptism, we as Christians are brought through death and raised into new life with Christ.

      That Spirit that drove Christ into the desert, the same Spirit we received in baptism, now calls us to follow Christ into the desert.

     When I was little, lent meant one thing:  NO CANDY FOR FORTY DAYS! I don’t remember any more if it was even my choice. It was just…. what we did. I guess for a little child that’s pretty close to wandering a parched desert.

     As Catholics, we are asked to fast during the Lenten season. By fasting we give witness to our families and all those around us and even ourselves that there are more important things in life than physical nourishment. Like Christ in the desert, subsisting on the Word of the Father, we should be reminded to spend a little more time in prayer on this Lenten journey.

     Our hunger should also remind us of those in the world who experience hunger on a daily basis throughout the year.  With the “Operation Rice Bowl” we have an excellent opportunity to contribute to the cause of relieving hunger throughout the world.

     Our Lenten journey can also take on other aspects of our lives. On Ash Wednesday my wife & I unplugged our television. The first night, we actually just sat and talked for a couple hours. I won’t comment on that any further, than to say……what a journey this will be.

     Also, since this is commitment weekend, we have the opportunity to re-evaluate what we can do to help our parish, to help those in need in our parish as well as our whole community.

     So again, I ask…… where will your Lenten journey lead you?

On our journeys may we receive the Grace & Peace to celebrate with the risen Christ at Easter.