With Ash Wednesday on March 5, Father Ed gave a wonderful talk on Lent. He reminded us that we are never alone, that wherever we are or whatever we are experiencing, Jesus has been there and is there with us. Fasting, prayer and giving alms are all ways to unite us closer to God and are ways to help us detach from the things that imprison us. Father spoke of three possible ways to go; 1st, the way of John the beloved who sat close to Jesus, stood with Mary and points to God. This is a deeply personal and spiritual way. 2nd, the way of Judas who saw Jesus as a means to an end and when he tried to force action and it didn't happen, he despaired. And 3rd, the way of Peter. One of the closest followers of Jesus but so very human. He walked on water until the fear turned his head away, he denied Jesus but was first among the apostles and shows how God can use us even with our weaknesses.
I spoke about the Pastoral Plan which was updated in 2012. Each part points to two things Rick has asked us to focus on from 1 Corinthians, that we are called to be holy and united in the same purpose. When I was preparing the talk I wrote united ON purpose instead of united IN purpose, but aren't we both! Every day we consciously decide to live a certain way, to follow Jesus in all we do-on purpose and in purpose we unite with others to witness in our environments to our belief. The other main point I'd like us all to take away is that while all of us who have lived a Cursillo are in our 4th day - Post Cursillo, we are also all in Pre-Cursillo - always and in all ways in Pre-Cursillo. For what else is our 4th day if it is not witnessing to each person with whom we come in contact about God in our life. We do that in our moveable square meter, and that is Pre-Cursillo. All is Pre-Cursillo or why are we here? All is sharing the best news of the best reality...that God loves us, as He loved Peter, no matter our weakness. Let us live our 4th day fully and be aware of the people God is placing in our life, build relationships and friendships with these people and when God's time is right-invite them to live a Cursillo weekend.
I wish all a fruitful Lent.
De Colores and Ultreya!
Ronnie
P.S.: Please remember - Diocesan Mass, Friday March 7 at Holy Family in Lakewood. Mass begins at 8 p.m. Please join us and bring some friends.
