Dear friends in Christ

We have now entered the second phase of Great Lent. In the first weeks the emphasis is on personal conversion and asceticism. We now move to a consideration of the Cross and Passion of Jesus. The symbol of Moses in the desert raising up the serpent for the salvation of those who were sick (the Gospel of the Mass) reminds us that the standard of the Cross of Christ is the sign of salvation. Perhaps the Cross is something we take for granted, without even giving it a second thought when we bless ourselves. Perhaps we have even become too comfortable with the Cross as an image, a piece of artwork. These next weeks of Lent will recall to our minds how the price of our salvation was paid by the death of Jesus on the Cross. St John Henry Newman reflects on this in his Meditations on the Way of the Cross at the Twelfth Station:

“The Eternal Father determined not to pardon us without a price, in order to show us especial favour. He condescended to make us valuable to Him. What we buy we put a value on. He might have saved us without a price—by the mere fiat of His will. But to show His love for us, He took a price, which, if there was to be a price set upon us at all, if there was any ransom at all to be taken for the guilt of our sins, could be nothing short of the death of His Son in our nature.”

May we continue living these days of Lent in constant gratitude for the price God has paid to save us. Do continue to use the opportunities the Parish provides this Lent for our drawing closer to Our Lord.

May God bless you!

Msgr Kevin Hale