At the heart of our Catholic faith is the recognition and repentance for sin. 

 

“Repent and believe in the gospel” is what Jesus says the first time he speaks in the Gospel of Mark (1:15).

 

Jesus came into the world to teach us and to bring hope. But most of all He came to save us from our sins that damage us and separate us from God and from the kingdom of heaven for which we were made. 

 

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. It marks the beginning of the penitential season of Lent. During this time the Church wisely calls us to enter into this 40 day period not simply to focus on our sins but to repent of them. In that way we change our hearts and we accept the forgiveness that God offers to us.

 

This is the greatest news of human existence. By the original sin of Adam and Eve we were separated from God and could not enter heaven. The human race bore its guilt without end. 

 

But with the death of Christ on the cross we can receive God’s pardon for our offenses. He will forget them forever and restore our union with Him. We are given a way to leave behind the baggage of our evil deeds and begin again to live as children of a loving Father.

 

I would suggest that Lent this year should be particularly important for us. In view of all of the challenges that have resulted from the COVID-19 virus during the past year, it has sometimes been harder to keep up our routine of weekly Mass on Sunday. For many, because of the need to avoid crowds, the opportunity for confession and devotions have been limited or not possible. 

 

In short, there is a widespread danger that the challenges of this past year have weakened the practice of the faith. 

 

To address this concern and to take special advantage of Lent this year, I would offer a few suggestions:

 

First, examine your conscience deeply at least once each week. One of our great temptations is to make excuses in order to justify ourselves. By the examination of conscience we need to recognize and name for ourselves the sins that we have committed. And we need to be sure that our conscience is aligned with the teaching of the Catholic Church so that we are not deceiving ourselves.

 

Second, we must renew and intensify our participation at Sunday Mass (with all understanding for those who for good reason cannot attend). Resolve to make responses from the heart and enter into the prayers of the faithful during Mass. If possible, we should attend another Mass during the week.

 

Third, before going to Mass, prepare by going over the readings for Mass. Many people have Mass aids at home. The readings can be accessed on-line and on the myParish app. Going over each day’s readings for the Mass of the day is an excellent spiritual practice. 

 

Fourth, we must be sure to go to confession during Lent. This is obviously fundamental if we are to seek the forgiveness of sins that Jesus promised. Especially if you have been away from confession for a long time, make this the moment.

 

Finally, find some way to fast this year. Perhaps just giving up one thing or one meal from our table fare will be a good way to start. Christ Himself fasted and we can join Him.

 

Lent is a great gift to our faith. Let’s enter it eagerly starting on Ash Wednesday and run the course all the way to Holy Week.