Dear Friends,
This weekend we find ourselves at the Third Sunday of Lent. As “Pilgrims of Hope”, I am praying for all of us that these Lenten days are fruitful in our spiritual growth.
This weekend the passage from Luke 13:1-9 has Jesus sharing a parable about the fig tree. The tree has not been fruitful for some years and the owner wants to cut it down.
A person speaking to the owner asks that the tree be given some more time. This individual offers to cultivate and fertilize the barren fig tree. If the added attention does not produce fruit then it may be cut down.
This “cultivating” is representative of our addressing our own “personal fruit.” How are we using our Lenten days, as for that matter, all our days, to cultivate our lives with Jesus? Are taking advantage of the “fertilizers” that are before us that can produce spiritual fruit? Certainly, cultivating our spirit, perfecting our compassion, and forming our hearts (just Ash Wednesday we were invited to rend our Hearts to the Lord) takes time. It may take some of us, if not all of us, a lifetime.
Our faith communities offer many opportunities for each of us this season to “produce fruit.” Alpha began on March 12th with much vibrancy and fruitful discussions among those attending. Dr. Joseph Kelly and Dr. Sister Barbara Moore are offering sessions for our spiritual growth. We have mass being celebrated daily and on our weekends to nourish us with the presence of the Lord in our Sacred Texts and Eucharist.
Please revisit the Lenten mailing we sent out with all our parish offerings. If you’ve misplaced it, check out our websites, emails and bulletins. There is much here to bless your hearts and souls this Lent.
On Sunday, March 9th, three individuals from our parishes joined other individuals from around our diocese for the Rite of Election at Sacred Heart Cathedral. On Sunday morning, at our 8:45 mass, we prayed with Huntley Hedrick, Braiden and Summer Powell. These beautiful people are in their final period of prayerful preparation leading to their reception into full communion with the Catholic Church. Their smiles and enthusiasm were gift to behold for all of us who gathered around them. They are a visible testament to the fruitfulness that is in their hearts and souls. They are a gift to each of us who are baptized to be mindful of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ!
Please keep Huntley, Braiden and Summer in your prayers as they look to the upcoming Easter Vigil. Let us pray for one another, all Candidates and Catechumens, and for all God’s children, that we will work for peace, justice and love of every human being.
Blessings to each of you,
Father Rob