Dear People of Good Shepherd,

    According to St. Paul, (Romans 14:17) “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but rather of  righteousness, peace and joy that the Holy Spirit gives.”  Nevertheless, too often we make what we don’t eat or drink the focus of our Lenten observance.  Curiously, despite the fact that in the passage of the Gospel of St. Matthew (6: 1,16-18) proclaimed at Mass on Ash Wednesday, Jesus says, “Be careful not to perform your religious acts for people to see.. when you fast, do not behave like the hypocrites, who change the appearance of their faces so that others may see that they are fasting” , we are marked with blessed ashes. Of course, there need not be any conflict between the teachings of the Word of God, and our religious practices. The conflict arises when we disconnect the ritual from conversion of heart.  Prayer, fasting and almsgiving have  traditionally been encouraged and still are encouraged as means to spiritual growth and renewal during the season of Lent.  The potential for spiritual growth and renewal is in the end, a matter of the heart.  It is the power and love of God that will ultimately heal our wounds, change and transform our hearts.  On our part, whatever the particulars, we need to let go and let God be God. God calls us to ongoing conversion, from hardness of heart, to mutual forgiveness, to love of enemies and claims of justice. God calls us to more intimate loving relationship with God. Too much gets in the way. Throughout  the year, most of us live life at a hectic pace, during Lent, choose to live more simply, slow down, step back and reflect.  Consider fasting from anger and hatred, give your family an extra dose of love and affection each day, fast from resentment or bitterness and work on forgiving those who may have hurt you. Whatever personal practices we choose, may they serve to soften our heart, free our spirit and prepare us to better celebrate the Paschal Mystery which is the center of our Faith.  This Lenten Season is a gift, an opportunity for a new beginning. May it be a joyful season for you and all who are dear to you. 

  Happy Lent,