March 7, 2010

Dear Friends:

I want to thank all those who were involved in any way with the two wonderful events that happened last weekend in our parish.  To the entire Winter Wine Fest Committee: Dennis & Jackie Kaine, Mark & Janine Metzger, Anne Raquet, Gary & Lynda Urban, Corinne Magasic, Greg & Rebecca Schweitzer, Tom & Rebecca Hoffman, Joe & Marie Deluca, Hilda Sers & Glenn & Kelley Derricott & all the volunteers who worked so hard to make our Winter Wine Fest a great success. I also want to thank  Linda Midura, the choirs, cantors, and musicians for an inspirational Lenten Concert.  Our parish has been blessed with such great talent.  All those who attended either of those events certainly had an enjoyable experience. 

Here we are right in the middle of our Lenten journey.  Has this Lent made a difference in your life?  Like most of our New Year’s resolutions, our Lenten practice can sometimes fall by the wayside, leading us down the path of good intentions.  What does God have to do to get our attention?  What can Jesus say that would move and motivate us?  So far this Lent we have seen Jesus fasting and praying in the desert for forty days.  Last week Jesus was transfigured before our very eyes.  His true colors shone from his face and his dazzling clothes. It is the Third Sunday of Lent.  Time for us to get serious if this Lent is going to make a difference in our spirituality, in our daily living.  If God doesn’t give up on us, who are we to give up on God?  The readings of this Sunday were chosen to help us recognize holy ground, to be aware that we can do spiritual things and never really become holy, that Jesus wants us to repent and bear good fruit. 

We might know the commandments; we might go to church on Sunday.  But are we living a life worthy of God’s call and God’s love?  This third Sunday of our Lenten journey should strengthen and encourage us not to become complacent or bored with being in love with God and following Jesus. Lent is about making our faith real so that we can stand at the foot of the cross and roll the stone away from the empty tomb.  Like the fig trees, Jesus sees our future if we do not produce good fruit.  “by their fruits you shall know them.”  Our fruitfulness is rooted in our faithfulness.  Let Paul’s words encourage us not to desire anything that is not of God. Can we see the burning bushes and hear God’s voice calling us by name? Jesus wants us to find a home in God’s heart.  It is never too late to become good news. 

A couple of weeks ago Melissa Minn and Melissa Walker of our parish signed the book of the Elect and were sent by our community to be accepted by Bishop Smith to continue their journey of faith toward the Easter Sacraments.  I ask you to continue to pray for them. The book of the Elect which they signed will be displayed in the church as a reminder for the community to support them with your prayers. 

Have a wonderful week!

Fr Andrew