The Journey Begins (02/14/2024)

It is essential that you and I both acknowledge that Jesus had us on His mind and in His heart the day He gave His life upon the cross for sinners. It is essential that we both admit we are sinners. Jesus sacrificed Himself for sinners, and we are on that list. This journey is personal. Good Friday was personal for Jesus; Good Friday is personal for us. As we begin our Lenten journey that will bring us ultimately to the empty tomb, we have to acknowledge that it was by way of Calvary because of us.

This journey is personal. It is about us finding our way and recognizing that it is “the Way,” it is Jesus Christ himself. In today’s gospel taken from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, Jesus give us the map for this journey: giving of ourselves for others out of love for our LORD and for one another; praying unceasingly; making sacrifices for our relationships with the LORD and one another. If we truly engage, selflessly offer our time, talent and treasures authentically and not just for show, if we spend time in prayer, loving the LORD and allowing the LORD’s love to transform us, if we put down those things that keep us from being the one’s we’re called to be, our journey will bring us to the joyous celebration of the new life possible only in our LORD.  

As we begin this essential journey, let us put on the joy that is possible only through hope. We on this journey have hope. The one who promised us life in abundance is trustworthy. We’ve much to consider, much to atone for, much to strive for. But we do not go alone. We have the Spirit to guide us and grace us. And if we are who we claim to be, we have one another as companions.

As we set out, let us have our plan in mind of how we will make this journey.

We will pray! When? Where? Will we add reading scripture and reflection? Will we attend Mass more frequently? Will we add midday prayer to our regimen?

We will do good for others. How? When? Where? Will we volunteer at a homeless shelter? Will we offer to help a neighbor in difficult times? Will we give of our treasure so that others may eat? Will we reach out to those whom we need to forgive?

We will make sacrifices because of our love for the LORD. How? What will that look like? Will we give up chocolate? Will we set aside a habit that we know isn’t healthy? Will we give up going to the casino and put that money into food for the local food pantry?

Our Lenten journey must be intentional. Our Lenten journey demands that we apply ourselves. It’s personal. I pray that you and I make this journey well, guided by faith, buoyed by hope and fueled by love.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.

Thoughts? Questions? Requests? – katewiskus@gmail.com