Dear Friends in christ
The pilgrimage of Lent moves us in union with Jesus our Lord, towards the saving events that will take place in Jerusalem. To this end, and knowing how His suffering and death would affect His disciples, Jesus consoles them by giving a glimpse of His divinity whilst they are on Mount Tabor. This Gospel, read every Second Sunday of Lent reminds us too, that the Cross and suffering come before glory. Part of the Lenten pilgrimage entails going back to basics; learning the ABC of the Faith. One of the vital ways that we train ourselves is by daily conversion. Examination of conscience will help us to learn the virtues better and lead us to a deeper repentance. This then leads us to the Sacrament of Confession. Throughout the Sundays of Lent I would like to reflect on the importance of this Sacrament, since together with the Blessed Eucharist, they are the two most frequently received of the Seven Sacraments; at least they should be! I remind you that my weekly Homily is available as a podcast via the link on the Parish website or by going to the iTunes Store. Either way, I hope that you may be helped by the simple catechises I offer, to approach Jesus confidently and humbly in His Sacrament of Divine Mercy.
Please remember to pray for the candidates from our Parish, who were presented to the Bishop last Sunday during the Rite of Election in our Cathedral; these will receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter or later around Pentecost. Also for the twenty-five young adults who have begun preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Each week these two groups meet in the Parish Centre for instruction, reflection and prayer which will lead them into Full Communion with the Church. As the Apostles witnessed to the truth of the divinity of Jesus after they saw His glory, may we also, during these days of Lent, witness by our prayer, penance and charity to what is most vital in our lives and in the world.
God bless you all in your Lenten pilgrimage towards Easter!
Msgr Kevin Hale
Priest@LourdesLeigh.org ✚ 01702 478078
Homily available at LourdesLeigh.org