Lent is passing quickly! What changes have you made in your life that reflects your desire to receive the gift of salvation won for us by Jesus Christ?
            In your relationship with God, do you have a regular habit of prayer? It does not have to be long or elaborate. It can be very simple. Do you start each day with a simple prayer in which you thank God for the gift of this new day and express your desire to be faithful to God during the day? Do you end each day with a simple prayer in which you give thanks to God for the blessings of this day, to acknowledge the ways that your faith was tested during the day, and to acknowledge your need for God’s grace and mercy? Is Sunday Mass a priority for you as is evident in the fact that you arrive on time for Mass and participate fully in the prayers and songs of the Mass? Do you allow your attitudes and actions to be shaped by the teaching of Jesus Christ or do your attitudes and actions reflect popular opinion? If you have not strengthened your relationship with God thus far in Lent, there is still time to take these simple steps – daily prayer, making the Sunday Mass a priority in your life, and always assessing your attitudes and actions to see whether they conform to the teaching of Jesus Christ as interpreted for us by the Church.
            How is your relationship with your neighbor? Do you see all persons as your neighbor? There is only one God who created all of us equal in dignity and thus we are all really brother and sister to each other. The color of our skin, the way we pray to God, and our position in society should not divide us. We are all one family in God. Do you treat all persons with respect? Do you provide help to others when it is possible for you to do so? Do you pray for other persons – those who are sick, those who are suffering, those who have lost hope? Do you give your spouse and your children the time they deserve and require? Do you refrain from language that is abusive or disrespectful? Do you have patience with yourself and with other persons? There is still time for Lent to be the opportunity for grace that this season should be!                                                                 Fr. Mark Hallinan, S.J