Dear Pilgrims of Hope,

How is your Lent going? At the beginning of Lent, it is a good time for us to meditate about how we are doing as disciples. The season of Lent encourages us to look at our lives while challenging us to penetrate any self-deceit of our current missionary discipleship. By reading the weekday Gospels, you will see that the Disciples of Christ face many demands. Take up your cross daily, love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you, be a servant to others, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc.

Lent is an excellent time to look at our lives and see through our inflated egos regarding our being good disciples. However, you say, "I do that. I love my enemies." Hmmm. "I give food and clothing to the poor." Hmmm. Ask God, is there more that you can do, more that he wants? "I serve." Okay. How often and how much? Do you exalt yourself? Do you take up your cross daily and follow Christ? Hmmm, Hmmm, Hmmm.

If we reflect on a disciple's characteristics, we may see how we fall short of these demands. We need Jesus Christ. Let me repeat that. We need Our Lord—His grace, strength, concern, and, most importantly, His love. All are available in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation.



Another significant way to be open to the grace, help, and aid of Our Savior is through prayer. Pray unceasingly, says Paul. Lent is a time to increase/intensify our prayer life.

Mother Theresa went to daily Mass and would spend hours - yes, hours - in prayer every day. This communion with Go enabled her to become the saint we know.

Come to pray at Mass and/or any of our Lenten services. Try Lectio Divina (praying Scripture), say The Our Father several times throughout the day, take some time to read Sacred Scripture, and receive the Eucharist every chance you get. Pray the Rosary and the chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Visit with Jesus at Adoration each Tuesday (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament) or any day, as long as the Tabernacle is out, Jesus is present. This is a time to be still, peaceful, and in the presence of God. Talk with God while you are with Him, think about His love for you, and say Thank You.

Just pray,

Father Maassen

(edited and reprinted)