As we step into the first Sunday of Lent, we follow Jesus into the wilderness, where He fasts for forty days and faces three temptations from the devil (Luke 4:1-13). These temptations strike at the very core of identity:
- “Turn these stones into bread” – The temptation to believe that we are what we do.
- “All this power and glory will be yours” – The temptation to believe that we are what we have.
- “Throw yourself down and let the angels catch you” – The temptation to believe that we are who others say we are.
However, Jesus rejects these false identities and roots Himself in the truth: we are not defined by our work, our possessions, or the opinions of others—we are God’s beloved sons and daughters. This is the heart of our Lenten journey: to strip away the illusions that bind us and return to who we truly are in God. It is sometimes hard to admit that the Evil One has fooled us again with his temptations as often the temptations are the same year over year but in different disguise!
Lent is not only a season of sacrifice but also a time for honest reflection on our spiritual journey. The Church encourages us to take an annual evaluation of our souls—not daily or weekly, but over the past year—to see if we have grown stronger or weaker in our faith. Have we become a little gentler, a bit more patient? Are we more forgiving and less judgmental? Have we learned to love more like Christ? If we find that we have stalled or even drifted away, this season is a gift—an opportunity to take small but meaningful steps toward growth. Lent is not about perfection but progress. Even the smallest act of prayer, fasting, or almsgiving can be the beginning of a deeper transformation.
Lent is not about grand gestures but small, consistent acts that reorient our hearts toward Christ. This week, consider taking on one new habit in each of the three pillars of Lent:
- Prayer – Try adding a few extra moments of prayer throughout your day: before meals, while driving, or even in silence before bed. Consider coming to daily Mass at 6:30 AM or 8:30 AM—a beautiful way to center your day in Christ.
- Fasting – This isn’t just about food. What if you fasted from unnecessary noise, social media, TV news or distractions that keep you from being present to God and others?
- Almsgiving – Reach out to someone in need, whether it’s a neighbor who could use a meal, a lonely friend, or a stranger who needs a kind word. Love in action transforms hearts—our own first.
As we journey through these forty days, may we walk with Jesus in the wilderness, trusting that God’s love alone defines us. This Lent, let’s not just give up something—let’s step into who we truly are. May we use these forty days wisely, allowing God to shape our hearts and lead us closer to Him.
In a special way, we invite you to set aside time for deeper renewal at our Lenten Retreat, “Living the Hope of the Cross”, with Julianne Stanz and accompanied by musician, Meredith Augustin on March 15th, 16th & 17th. Julianne is a nationally recognized speaker and author of Braving the Thin Places, and she will lead us into an experience of encountering God in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of our lives. This retreat is an opportunity to step away from the busyness of daily life and enter into a space of reflection, prayer, and spiritual nourishment. Whether you are looking for a deeper connection with God, struggling with life’s uncertainties, or simply need a place to rest in His presence, this retreat will offer encouragement and renewal. Don’t miss this chance to grow in faith and prepare your heart for Easter!
I encourage you to invite a friend to come along with you and for our parents with young children, we have childcare available, please reply via the link below.
- Saturday, March 15th: 6:00pm, Wine & Cheese Reception & 6:30pm—Session
- Sunday, March 16th: 6:00pm, Wine & Cheese Reception & 6:30pm—Session
- Saturday, March 17th: 4:30pm—Session (Note: the St. Patrick’s Day dinner is at 5:30pm, purchase your tickets now, this event sells out!)
Julianne will draw from her Irish heritage and pastoral wisdom, to guide us through four essential practices of H.O.P.E.—Healing, Openness, Prayer, and the Eucharist—offering spiritual tools for personal renewal and a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Please RSVP for the retreat receptions for our catering purposes. You do not need to reply for the retreat session, just come along and bring a friend! We look forward to seeing you as we journey together this Lent.
Finally, this Friday, Stations of the Cross and Soup Suppers start at 6:00pm. Please join us as our St. Simon Ministry groups lead the Stations in the Church and host a simple soup supper following in Spooncer Hall.
God bless,
Fr. Brendan