My Friends in Christ,

Lent is the most solemn season of the Christian year-and probably the one we try most to avoid. After the joyfulness of the past Christmas, and the promise to be celebrated at Easter, Lent’s penitential nature leaves much to be desired for those of us who struggle to just get through the daily living. However, Lent is a forty day period (plus Sundays) that emulates Jesus' own path and fasting in the wilderness. Seeking to prepare himself for his ministry to the world, Jesus stood up and addressed the temptations of "Satan" in the desert. In doing so, he came face to face with the temptations of the world and was strengthened to proclaim the good news of forgiveness, redemption and the possibility of a new relationship with God.

In and through our renewed commitment to God we find the power to live "In Christ" and follow in the ways Jesus taught. Lent marks a time for us to also withdraw from the world and examine our desire to change. It is a time when we stop to contemplate the meaning of a life freed by the power of Christ from earthly constraints and a time to consciously live into a new transforming way --- Jesus’ Way. We do this in both the solitude of our personal, contemplative prayer and in the community of supportive Christians.

Lent is not a time to be dreaded or avoided, but rather embraced, because the spiritual transformation that we find enables us to overcome the sin and suffering of the world and meet the Lord in our deepest heart of hearts.

May the Spirit of God guide you and lead you through this demanding Lenten season. And, may that same Spirit gently place within your soul the transformation God desires for you.

BARRY