Ash Wednesday comes next week, and we are preparing for Lenten observances in our parishes. This includes the Rite of Election across the deaneries. During local parish visits, I have already met some candidates for full admission into the Church this Easter. I am always thrilled and inspired by the excitement of the candidates and those accompanying them through the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults; formerly RCIA) process.
With more snow and winter than usual this year, I am also drawn to reflect on my past awakenings to Christ and first discerning the possibilities of serving the Church. Simply put, this process was a journey of awakening, becoming intrigued, hearing voices, taking small steps, and gradually becoming more centered in God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The journey has brought me to new levels of awareness, life and service. It is what we all wish for.
"Ash Wednesday comes next week, and we are preparing for Lenten observances in our parishes."
As I have grown to know you over the years, I can say that we are all striving to live virtuously and know our duties to God and humanity. We are growing in holiness through stages. However, let’s be sure, we still have the most significant conversion in our lives ahead. A deeper offering of Christ is to be given. Something is working inside us in a deeper way. There is somebody who wants us to be drawn outside ourselves. Jesus is knocking at the door.
What needs to be examined as we prepare for Ash Wednesday? Look first at interior fears and lack of trust. What situations control us? When Peter took it upon himself to walk on the water to greet Jesus, he stopped looking at Jesus and realized his situation. The water took over, and splash. Jesus was there. What is the situation of the water we are trying to walk on? The thought may come to us that none of these difficulties have anything to do with the real choices we must make.
"What needs to be examined as we prepare for Ash Wednesday? Look first at interior fears and lack of trust."
Let’s prepare ourselves for a joyful and fruitful Lent. Take some time and ask the Lord, “What do you think about my situation? How am I doing? Am I really becoming centered in You? What are your thoughts?” Spend time and see how you will be prompted.
We prepare to see Jesus again, alive, bearing His suffering, and accompanying Him to the cross. It is the ineffable joy of our Christian faith that God cared enough to send His Son to share and carry our wounds towards a promise of eternal life. The new, deeper conversion lies ahead. Something is working inside us in a deeper way. Jesus is knocking at the door. Let us open ourselves and center in Christ.
+Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg
Bishop of Pueblo
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