Lent is not just a season—it is a divine call to action. It is God’s invitation for us to rise from complacency and be transformed by His love and mercy. As Pope Francis reminds us, Lent is a time to encounter the Lord who makes our lives new. But this transformation is not passive—it demands our willingness to respond. Your time is now!
In today’s first reading (Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15), Moses encounters God in the burning bush. He is afraid, uncertain, and hesitant. But God calls him forward, saying, “Come, I will send you.” How often do we, like Moses, allow fear and self-doubt to hold us back from answering God’s call? Yet, the Lord reassures us, “I am who I am.” He does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. When God calls, He provides the grace and strength we need.
The Gospel (Luke 13:1-9) presents us with the parable of the barren fig tree. The owner wants to cut it down because it bears no fruit, but the gardener pleads for more time: “Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future.” This is a message of both mercy and urgency. God is patient, but He also expects us to bear fruit in our faith—through love, mercy, and action. A faith that does not produce good works is lifeless. Your time is now!
St. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 10:1-6, 10-12), warns against complacency. He reminds us that the Israelites, though blessed by God’s guidance, still fell into sin because they failed to remain faithful. “Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.” This is a call to spiritual vigilance. We cannot merely go through the motions of faith. We must actively pursue conversion and renewal. Your time is now!
Psalm 103 reassures us of God’s boundless mercy: “The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in kindness.” God gives us every opportunity to change, but we must make the choice to rise up and embrace His transformation.
Lent is the perfect time to reflect on our commitment to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Are we truly engaging with God in prayer, or just reciting words? Are we fasting only from food, or are we fasting from gossip, selfishness, and sin? Are we giving from our hearts, or just fulfilling an obligation? True conversion requires us to rise up, step out, and allow God to transform us.
This is why we have launched the Faith Formation for Family Challenge—to encourage families to pray together, serve together, and return to the altar of the Lord. It is a call to renewal, a call to invite those who have been distant from the Church back into God’s embrace. Let this be the season where we rise up as a family, as a Church, as disciples of Christ.
Last Sunday, during a retreat with our Confirmation students, I witnessed something powerful. These young women reflected on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, recognizing both their strengths and struggles. Their honesty was humbling. This is what Lent calls us to do—to be real with ourselves and with God.
So, let us challenge ourselves today: What is holding us back from true transformation? If we seek mercy, are we showing mercy? If we desire love, are we loving others? If we hope for change, are we willing to change?
Lent is not just about remembering Christ’s sacrifice—it is about responding to it. This is your second chance, your moment of grace. Do not waste it! Christ is calling: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Rise up! Be transformed! Your time is now!
From Pastor's Desk......Fr. Freddie