Second Sunday of Lent

03-05-2023Pastor's CornerVery Rev. Robert J. Deehan, VF

How would you describe your approach to participation at Mass? Are you engaged with what’s being spoken and sung? Is your mind focused on prayer and worship, or is it somewhere else? Do you truly participate in the spoken and sung parts of the liturgy or just remain quiet during the parts that require members’ involvement? I admit, we can be easily distracted these days and look to be entertained any chance we can get. Unfortunately, that approach instills a passivity that more closely resembles going to the theatre or viewing a video on our devices – something very different than what is called for in church.

In this season of Lent, when we address areas of growth in our spiritual life both as individuals and as a community, I invite you to look at the approach you take to participation at Mass. Do you notice anything that you could improve? Merely showing up is not real worship. Wholehearted, spirited singing and robust responses truly honor God and engender a spirit of celebration among the other members of our worshipping community. The example we give to our children, to returning church-goers and new-comers, give strong signals about the level of engagement participants have in the prayer of the Mass. Their desire to return to Mass each Sunday may be determined by the spirit of prayer, reverence and joy they experience during our time of worship. You’ve felt it… What a difference it makes when all the members of a worshipping community full-throatedly respond in ways that convey that they really mean what they are saying and singing! Let’s see how this Lenten challenge I offer will engender a new spirit of vitality, authenticity and celebration here at Holy Family that truly represents our encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ at Mass.

God bless you!

Fr. Bob