My dear Parishioners,

Three weeks ago, we began our Lent season. Maybe your Lent has been faithful and fruitful. Or maybe… it hasn’t gone as planned.

Perhaps you’ve struggled to pray. Perhaps you’ve stopped trying to abstain or fast. Perhaps the world took over, or guilt is telling you it’s easier not to try, and let Lent go by as it always has.

Stop listening to the world. Start listening to God. He waits for you, just outside your comfort zone, saying, “Start again. I am here.”

Remember – Called. Chosen. Forgiven. First, you are called, not because you’re perfect, but because you’re His. Second, you are chosen, to be a child of God. And third, the word you need most, you are forgiven.

These remaining weeks, step out of your comfort zone into the warmth of His grace.

• Pray: not just words, but silence. Let God speak.
• Fast: from food, from grudges, from screens, from needing to be right.
• Give alms: your time, your patience, your presence.
• Join your BEC: Jesus intends for you to be with community, never alone. Your neighbours need you and you need them.

I also ask of you to join me in prayer for our RCIA candidates – “Lord, strengthen our candidates. Where they doubt, fill them with trust. Where they carry burdens, give them peace. Prepare their hearts for the waters of Baptism. Surround them with our parish family. Amen.”

Lent is not a solo journey. We walk together, those who’ve walked faithfully and those who’ve stumbled. The ones who are certain and the ones who doubt.

Our God is waiting, arms open, ready to welcome you home.

We journey together,

Fr. Leonard Lexson
Church of the Assumption, PJ