FROM THE PASTOR
Dear Parishioners,
As we begin Lent this weekend, we hear the familiar story of the temptation of Jesus in the desert. Notice that many of the temptations are preceded by the word, “if.“ Jesus has just been proclaimed God’s Son in whom He is well pleased at His baptism in the Jordan River. Now Satan wants to call all of that into question as Jesus prepares for his public ministry. Satan, the spirit of evil, wants to create confusion and self-doubt. He wants to stand in the way of the mission.
This pattern by evil is no different for us. As we move through our mission in this world or as we make good decisions based on good discernment, considering all of the options in prayer, Satan will emerge causing self-doubt, scrupulosity, and even sometimes a sense of confusion. Are we really doing what God wants? Who are we to do this mission?
God has given each of us talents and abilities when He created us. At our baptism. God calls us His beloved son or daughter. During Lent, our mission is to rediscover our true identity in God. We give up or we abstain from certain things to try to hone our prayer life and our spirituality. We want to get rid of the superfluous, so as to recognize our identity in God. Do not let Satan pull you off the path.
Continue to pray, to fast, and to give alms so that we can grow closer to the Lord.
Fr. Jerry Francik
Pastor