Homily: First Tuesday of Lent

First Tuesday of Lent (Mt. 6:7-15)

Prayer is where our spiritual life begins. It is also what sustains us as we try to be disciples of Jesus. Lent is a time to deepen our prayer life. We engage in liturgical prayer, and we engage in personal prayer. Lent is a good time to measure where we are at with both.

I am always amazed that so many people come to Ash Wednesday services. There is something about reflecting on our own mortality that strikes a nerve. The symbol of ashes speaks of a desire to be close to the Lord. “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”

I am also amazed that on the Sundays after Lent the attendance does not seem to be as good. The liturgical prayer of the church seems to be forgotten as people go on with other activities. One is left to wonder if personal prayer is also forgotten.

Jesus says that the Our Father is the most perfect prayer. There are several phrases that really challenge us. One of the first is “thy kingdom come they will be done.” Jesus said once that the kingdom of God is within us. The way to build the kingdom then is personal prayer.

A discipline of prayer involves picking a time, choosing a place (going to a certain room in our home for example), committing to a method (reading scripture, the rosary, centering prayer, meditation are examples) and choosing a prayer posture (sitting, standing, kneeling, opening one’s arms, etc.).

As we begin Lent, we might examine our personal prayer. How are we doing? We might think about the things I just mentioned. The reality is that if we commit to more intensive prayer, we will find spiritual challenges will come our way. Our behaviors might need to change. We will see the virtues we need to work on. We will be shaken out of our complacency.

Reflection Questions:

1.    What is my personal prayer like? Do I have a certain place in my home that is my prayer space?

2.    What do I have in my prayer space? Is my prayer space a place of quiet?

Dear Parishioners,

             On Wednesday of this week, we will have the traveling monstrance at St. Francis Chapel. Each week from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. we have adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel in the Lee Center. You are always invited, but tomorrow might be a good time to come and sit with the Lord.

            Can we spend an hour with the Lord. He asks us to spend some time with him. What better time to do that than during Lent? Come and join the people of the parish tomorrow. Benediction will take place at 4 p.m.

            May Our Lady Prayer for us,

            Fr. Mark