Father Tom O'Donnell Offers Lenten Message
The Season of Lent
Our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II has told us that: “Lent is a time of profound truth which brings conversion, restores hope, and by putting everything back in its proper place, brings peace and optimism.”
During the season of Lent we are often reminded in our Mass prayers and readings of the need for repentance and renewal. The repentance envisioned is a change of mind and heart, to the extent that we need it so that we may become more holy, more Christ-like, in our attitudes and life.
Our repentance during Lent calls us to prayer and fasting. I can remember my Dad, who liked to have a little drink now and then, but during Lent he would always give up his shot and beer, except for one day – St. Patrick’s Day. He claimed that since this day was a “holyday”, it was not part of Lent.
Just as at times we need to change directions in our careers and our life endeavors, so in the spiritual realm we need to examine and evaluate our status and perhaps make a change of direction. Sometimes it will have to be a conversion or turning around of our life.
One of the great needs of people today is to return to a religious sense. There is a great need to return to God. Unfortunately, today our concern may be for the material, the secular, the here and now. Such concern may be necessary because God does expect us to take care of ourselves in this life to the extent that we are able and to provide for those who depend on us for material support and sustenance.
However, if material goods are our only concern, to the detriment of our spiritual good, then we stand in need or correction and conversion. Repentance is needed.
Repentance, such as it is preached to us during Lent, is not simply a matter of avoiding sin.
Hopefully we all do this to the best of our ability. True repentance or conversion means doing good for others, letting our faith bear fruit in a harvest of charitable deeds. As Hibernians we do this by our various works of charity and mission work.
Prayer, self-discipline, acts of mercy are the recommended means of making ourselves ready for eternity now.
Make Lent a time of conversion, make Lent a time of good works, make Lent a time in which we truly live out the virtues of Unity, Fraternity and Christian Charity. May the blessings of St. Patrick continue to abide with all of you during the celebrations of our Irish Heritage.
With every blessing and best wish,
-- Father Tom O’Donnell, A.O.H. Allegheny County and Pennsylvania State Chaplain
Our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II has told us that: “Lent is a time of profound truth which brings conversion, restores hope, and by putting everything back in its proper place, brings peace and optimism.”
During the season of Lent we are often reminded in our Mass prayers and readings of the need for repentance and renewal. The repentance envisioned is a change of mind and heart, to the extent that we need it so that we may become more holy, more Christ-like, in our attitudes and life.
Our repentance during Lent calls us to prayer and fasting. I can remember my Dad, who liked to have a little drink now and then, but during Lent he would always give up his shot and beer, except for one day – St. Patrick’s Day. He claimed that since this day was a “holyday”, it was not part of Lent.
Just as at times we need to change directions in our careers and our life endeavors, so in the spiritual realm we need to examine and evaluate our status and perhaps make a change of direction. Sometimes it will have to be a conversion or turning around of our life.
One of the great needs of people today is to return to a religious sense. There is a great need to return to God. Unfortunately, today our concern may be for the material, the secular, the here and now. Such concern may be necessary because God does expect us to take care of ourselves in this life to the extent that we are able and to provide for those who depend on us for material support and sustenance.
However, if material goods are our only concern, to the detriment of our spiritual good, then we stand in need or correction and conversion. Repentance is needed.
Repentance, such as it is preached to us during Lent, is not simply a matter of avoiding sin.
Hopefully we all do this to the best of our ability. True repentance or conversion means doing good for others, letting our faith bear fruit in a harvest of charitable deeds. As Hibernians we do this by our various works of charity and mission work.
Prayer, self-discipline, acts of mercy are the recommended means of making ourselves ready for eternity now.
Make Lent a time of conversion, make Lent a time of good works, make Lent a time in which we truly live out the virtues of Unity, Fraternity and Christian Charity. May the blessings of St. Patrick continue to abide with all of you during the celebrations of our Irish Heritage.
With every blessing and best wish,
-- Father Tom O’Donnell, A.O.H. Allegheny County and Pennsylvania State Chaplain
Labels: homily
posted by Ed Blank at
11:31 AM
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