We have entered the season of Lenten reconciliation, preparing for a new Easter. In this 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, we have a unique opportunity to examine ourselves as followers of Christ. You, reading this, and I, writing, can agree that we have experienced a conversion to get us to this place. We are here together and we’re on the road to heaven. Yes?
Well, we are probably okay, morally speaking. But distractions and disappointments occupy us too. Little things come up, and the way we speak to ourselves is not always polite. We know we don’t do enough. The things we carry have an interior negative effect. We carry our failures even though others think we haven’t failed. But we know.
"You, reading this, and I, writing, can agree that we have experienced a conversion to get us to this place. We are here together and we’re on the road to heaven."
The enemy is at the gate. Do we hit the pause button quickly enough and turn to Jesus?
We know there is something about making the interior move towards Christ which does not end in this world. There is comfort in knowing God is never quite “through” with us. We are our own project for the rest of our lives, but we are not alone. Jesus suffered and died that we might have life in abundance. Still, are we really engaged in longing to be with him? How often does his Spirit warm our hearts?
Jesus suffered and died that we might have life in abundance.
There is somebody who wants us to be drawn outside ourselves. Yes, we once made the interior move towards Him. An offer for a deeper movement is now at hand. Jesus speaks to us, Come to me. Let me be, again and more, a part of your life.
In answer to Jesus’ voice, I urge you to seek out and celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation as part of your Lenten journey. Attend at least one celebration of the stations of the cross in your parish. Pray, fast, and reach out to the poor in almsgiving.
"Jesus speaks to us, Come to me. Let me be, again and more, a part of your life."
We cannot repay the debt Christ has paid for us. In confessing our sins, we give to God our sorrow and he renews us in grace. In denying ourselves and reaching out to the poor we are conformed to his person, Jesus.
Finally, above and before all else, in this deeper movement of conversion, in this life, which is meant to lead to eternal joy, Jesus calls us first to simply be with him:
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light. (Mt 11:28-30)
+Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg
Bishop of Pueblo
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