There is no sin greater than God's infinite mercy
“Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” These are among the words which can be used as our foreheads are marked with ashes on Ash Wednesday and highlight for us the call of Jesus Christ and the message of this Lenten Season.
If we are to turn away from our sins, we must first humbly and honestly acknowledge them. We must identify those areas in our lives that are inconsistent with the ways of God and keep us from living lives of integrity and holiness. We must go before the Lord and admit those times we have failed the Lord, disappointed ourselves and offended one another. We must ask the Lord to pardon us and to give us the grace to begin anew.
Thus, I strongly encourage you, especially in this Lenten Season, to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance. There will be Penance Services in all of the Deaneries in this sacred season. At those times, we are especially reminded that we gather as sisters and brothers in Christ to express our need for God’s mercy and our willingness to support and encourage one another. Our parish priests also remain available for the celebration of this Sacrament both at regularly scheduled times and in any case of urgent need.
Always remember that there is no sin greater than God’s infinite mercy. This precious gift is conveyed in a beautiful stained glass window in one of our parish churches. Within the beautiful and vibrant colors is this message from Saint Paul of the Cross: “The fire of God’s love consumes our sins like a piece of cotton in a forest fire.” This sacred season presents a special invitation to allow God’s love for you to consume all your sins. It is my hope and prayer that you will accept this invitation and also ask your family members and those who have wandered from the Lord and His Church to do the same.
In thanksgiving for God’s mercy received and strengthened by His grace, we must go forth then and be faithful to the Gospel. Our response to this call is seen through the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Slow down during this season and allow more time for daily prayer. Fast and sacrifice from those material pleasures which can easily take possession of you. Find specific ways to increase your generosity, especially to those in most need. These are the practices that reflect our deep desire to live in harmony with God and one another.
My brothers and sisters, may Our Lord Jesus bless you and those you love with abundant spiritual gifts in this sacred season and especially with the gift of His mercy in the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance. With His grace, may you respond always to His call, “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.”
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge