I have spent the early part of the week catching up on all of the administrative duties that seem to accumulate rapidly any time I am out of the office for a couple of days. Now it is time to prepare for the next leg of the journey which takes place this weekend. I will be heading to St. Anthony's Parish in Casper for a day-long retreat on Saturday, and the pastor has graciously invited me to preach at all of the weekend liturgies while I am there as well. I have had the privilege of doing this twice before, in Advent and Lent in 2013, and I am looking forward to spending this time once again with the parishioners at St. Anthony's Parish.
The season of Lent is always a busy time, but it provides a magnificent chance to grow in our relationship with the Lord. I encourage each of you to take advantage of those extra opportunities in your local parish to pray, study, and perform acts of service during this holy season. Please do not let these forty days pass by without encountering the living God in a profound way. Just as the father lovingly embraced the prodigal son upon his return, God the Father is always ready to welcome us into His loving arms.
If your Lent has gotten off to a slow start, or if you have already failed to keep some of your Lenten resolutions, now is the time to begin anew. We will hear the account of the Transfiguration this weekend. Jesus "touched" his disciples to alleviate their fears at this brilliant spectacle. Jesus longs to "touch" each of us with His love, compassion, and mercy. Let us find strength in the Lord, our God!