Change of Heart

Lent is a time set apart for us to deepen our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a time for conversion, that is, the emptying of our hearts of attitudes that block a clean and open relationship with God, free of hidden agendas, fears, and wishes. It is a time to work on changing behaviors that stand in the way of a good relationship with others, with family, colleagues, friends and acquaintences. Above all, it is a time for prayer, prayer and prayer. It is in this quiet time set apart that God steps in and helps us sort through the mess we have created, or helps us appreciate the good person we are and the good things we have done and are doing. We tend to be "hard on ourselves" and stress the mess rather than the blessed. Ash Wednesday is the official beginning of Lent, but it wouldn't hurt to take time on this Sabbath for quiet prayer, either before or after Mass, or in some quiet corner of our homes. The website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has some excellent articles, prayers and references that could be a major help in spending a very fruitful Lent. The site is: http://www.usccb.org/. Click on the link for Lent on the left and a whole series of links comes us: What we believe, how we love and how we pray. And more.
In your prayers today, please remember a groups of Central boys who will be gathering at our Leeds Terrace community this afternoon to participate in a vocation awareness program. As St. Marcellin often insisted, "We need brothers," so we are helping our students discover if God is calling them to this "wonderful life." You can help us with your prayers. Thank you.
Bro. Rene