As we begin Lent and enter into a period of sacrifice and simplicity, often giving up some of the pleasures of our world, I think it is important to keep this truth at the center of our focus. When we sacrifice things during this season, we do not do so because pleasure is bad and we need to purify ourselves of it. We sacrifice things to restore what has become distorted in us, to strip ourselves of the “bad habits” we’ve created, and the false truths we’ve accepted so that we can return with a new vision and focus on the one who created the pleasures in the first place. For a moment, we give up all that is extra in our life so that we can truly know and rely on what and who is most essential: our relationship with God. May this Lent be a fruitful time for all of us especially, that we open our ears, minds, and hearts to God so that His love may transform our hearts.

Peace, ~~Fr. Steve