We continue to journey through Lent as Holy Week quickly approaches. In the Gospel today we hear Jesus speak to the woman caught in adultery. He is filled with love and mercy and does not condemn her. Jesus says: “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” It is a call to action for her, and as we reflect on our own lives, a call to action for us as well. How well do our actions follow our promises made? I know for me, I need to work on this. We can act on avoiding those situations that lead to sin. We can act on making time to pray in our day. For me, during Lent, I have been dedicating more time to exercise and taking walks outside. Taking walks outside has always been a great time to pray for me. We also have the Day of Mercy this week, Monday, April 4th, with 24 hours of Eucharistic Adoration and Reconciliation. Consider spending an hour with God in quiet prayer. This is another one of my favorite ways to pray. Sitting before the Blessed Sacrament in silent prayer, we encounter Jesus, who is love and mercy itself. Fasting, as well, can be an excellent way to act out our faith and can be of great spiritual benefit–drawing us closer to God and strengthening our free will. We can also act out our faith in charity to the less fortunate, showing acts of solidarity and loving concern for those who struggle. These days, my heart and mind goes to the people of Ukraine, who are suffering. Through our prayers and financial support for humanitarian aid, we can help them in their time of need.
Holy Week is a week away beginning with Palm Sunday. This week let us consider this call from Jesus to act out of faith more with the decisions we make daily. Through repentance, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we can respond to Jesus’ call, and prepare ourselves for the joy of Easter.
God bless,
Fr. Ryan