Dear Parishioners,
  
Jesus once again reminds us, in powerful terms, of the need for repentance in our lives.  Lent is the perfect opportunity to hand over to God our worst fears and sins which keep us prisoners of the heart.  When we are burdened in this manner we turn inward, and that beauty which is part of who we are begins to fade like a candle going out and the darkness taking over.
 
In the gospel, Jesus says, “If you do not repent, you will all perish”.  While we may not physically perish, the very best parts of ourselves can begin to slip away.  How often have we had such moments in our lives when people we love have noticed that we were distant, unresponsive or angry and short tempered and we weren’t even fully aware that we had become that way?
 
It often happens gradually with the heart, mind and soul darkening and can go unnoticed until finally someone, usually someone who loves us, lets us know that we have changed.  I’m sure each of us has gone through such a long dark night of the soul at some time or another.
 
Lent offers us an opportunity to strengthen ourselves against such wrong turns in our lives.  It is God’s desire that we place the cross of salvation directly in front of us so that His unconditional love will uplift and guide us through Lent to the glory of Easter.  The cross represents the completed act of God’s saving love, but for us in the present it is the place where we may leave our anger and our sinfulness and be reborn as God’s beloved children. 
 
May all of our Lenten journeys lead us to this sacred place so as to rise in Easter glory with His Beloved Son.