For Jesus, 40 days in the desert before His public ministry was a time of refocusing on what was essential. We celebrate the cycle of nature and rhythm of life by the Church's liturgical year. Annually we're given 40 days to do as Jesus did, purify and refocus. If we "give up" something for Lent the whole purpose is to simplify, to remind ourselvces how little we truly need if we depend on God for everything. 40 days of invitations to live a simpler life, to spend more time in prayer with the Lord, to act on our love for others -- a truly radical lifestyle by today's standards. The world conspires to dissipate our energies, our goals, our time -- our spirit. Lent invites us to let go of whatever distracts us from the truly essential things: love God, love your neighbor. 40 days: you can do it.

2/21/2012

Msgr. William J. King