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February 27, 2020Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
We began Lent last Wednesday with the imposition of ashes and the words, “remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return.” We will end Lent with the Easter Triduum and the joyful proclamation “Alleluia … He has been raised from the dead.” In between, for forty days, through prayer, penance and almsgiving, we prepare ourselves to commemorate joyfully Christ’s triumph over sin and death at Easter. Through ongoing conversion we also prepare ourselves that we may share in that triumph in Heaven.
From His birth at Bethlehem to His death and resurrection at Jerusalem, Jesus’ entire life on earth was marked by obedience to the Father, cooperation with the Holy Spirit and selfless love for us.
Our lives have not always been marked by such consistent obedience, selflessness and love. You and I need Lent. It is a blessed season through which we heed God’s call to return to Him, grow in holiness, and center our lives on that which is most important. The Catholic faith is the greatest gift we have received. A life lived in accordance with that faith is the greatest gift we can give to God, our families, our communities and the Church. Lent is the time to perfect the gift of our lives to God and one another.
When we have renewed our faith and live our lives in accordance with it, the Easter words “be not afraid,” “peace be with you” and “the Lord is truly risen” deepen their meaning, increase their power and infuse our lives with joy and insuperable hope. Such faith has inspired the saints and brightened our world through the ages and can continue to do so today.
I pray that the spiritual discipline of a good Lent may lead you to a deeper faith and a renewed sense of hope for your life and our beloved Church.
With every prayerful best wish, I remain,
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Robert J. McManus
Bishop of Worcester
