This week we entered into the season of Lent. This annual time of somber violet color marking the liturgy, the encouragement and at times the obligation to fast and to abstain from meat, and the talk of sin in our lives and in the world is deeply needed by each of us.

In the Gospel of Mark, the very first words recorded to have been spoken by Jesus were “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mk 1:15). Jesus will expand on this message in His various sermons, parables and miracles. But Mark’s Gospel places these words at the very beginning because they are the essence of the message of the Son of God having come among us.

Lent helps us focus our attention on this message. We are reminded by the ashes of Ash Wednesday that our lives are brief and passing, especially in the context of the eternity that awaits us, be it in heaven or in hell. “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” This is simply a fact that none can evade in this world.

Recalling our mortal end turns our thoughts to the uselessness of the material pleasures of this world. Instead, we recall that we have been made for and invited into the Kingdom that Jesus told us about. Our chance to enter is truly coming soon. And Lent reminds us to prepare for that moment of judgement by examining how we are living.

 

The ashes also remind us that the decay of the body and all things physical is a consequence of sin. And so we recall the reality of the original sin of Adam and Eve. Because of their rebellion against the love of God, the world and each of us is different. As St. Paul wrote, “Therefore, just as through one person sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all, inasmuch as all sinned.” (Rm 5:12).

 

For this reason, the message of Jesus that we must repent and believe in the Gospel is at the heart of the Lenten experience. God is willing and eager to forgive us. But He respects our freedom. He will not forgive those who freely choose not to repent. To repent is to turn away from sin. It is to embrace again the gifts of God that will make us happy and fulfilled in His Kingdom. That is the fulfillment promised by Jesus.

 

Lent reminds us that it is never too late, that our sins are never too much to be forgiven. Here in the first week of Lent, it is as if in the distance we are shown once more the hill and the cross of Jesus. For the next six weeks we are to keep our eyes on the cross and on Good Friday. We need to start walking, to start our road to repentance, to fulfillment, to the Kingdom of God that goes through the cross.

 

As we have done for many years in the Diocese of Rockford, the priests of our parishes will be emphasizing the gift of God’s forgiveness in the sacrament of confession during Lent. A special emphasis is on Wednesday, March 29. That is our annual Be Reconciled Day when confessions are heard throughout the day in our parishes to help you plan and find a convenient time and place.

 

Once again I invite all Catholics and especially those who have been away from confession for many years, please come. Each year, many are happily reconciled to the Church during Lent and on Be Reconciled Day. Please check your parish for particular times. Parish confession times throughout the diocese can also be found at bereconciled.rockforddiocese.org.

 

God’s Kingdom is at hand for all of us. We need to repent and return to the Father’s love. Lent helps us on the path to fulfillment through the cross and to the Resurrection.