Time is really flying ! So, how are you doing in your Lenten practices ?
Fell at the first hurdle? Lasted only a few days?
I know I failed at the first one on a particular item. I knew what I was promising to try and change wasn’t going to be easy.
Bad habits die hard. But I didn’t give up. I dusted myself off and on I went and am still trying. And that is on just one promise!
Don’t lose heart, Jesus doesn’t expect instant perfection.
He is happy if we make a genuine effort to change inwardly and pray more deeply.

This second week of Lent we will be reminded in the Mass readings about a number of things.
The Transfiguration, when Peter, James and John see Heaven and the Father reflected in the face of Jesus.
We’ll read about the opposition to Jesus and His teaching.
We’ll read about Joseph and his jealous brothers and how he was able to forgive.
The story of the Prodigal son and his return to his father.
Jesus will be reminding us time and time again about our forgiving Father, about repentance, compassion, about reconciliation.
We really have no excuse for not trying to change anything within ourselves that we know to be holding us down,
and trusting our loving God.

There is great joy over even one repentent person, that is someone who didn’t give up but kept trying and at last succeeded..
Jesus walked the path of your life and mine, he knows our weaknesses, he knows the pitfalls that beset us, the tragedies and sorrows . He felt the weight of the Cross and kept carrying it until He died on it! He did that for us.

So don’t fall into the blame game, that is using someone else’s failings as a cover for our own.
Trust Jesus. Talk to Him. Ask His forgiveness. You’ll get it as many times as you need it.
He doesn’t keep a count. He just keeps forgiving and loving.
After all, the horrible Cross became the key that reopened Heaven to all.
Lent is a time for refreshment, don’t waste it!

Fr.Noel