1st Sunday of Lent February 18, 2024

Readings: Genesis 9:8-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:12-15

Forty days in the wilderness was not easy, but Jesus conquered them all as a true man. Jesus proclaimed: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” This message should be heard everywhere and at any time. Lenten season is about two things: repentance and baptism. On the First Sunday of Lent, the Church will celebrate the rite of election for catechumens who are preparing for Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. I would like to remind all of you that the message of repentance is not only for catechumens, but also for all of us. If we want to be in God’s Kingdom, we need to repent, to be baptized and to believe.

Dear friends in Christ, the Lenten season always reminds us that we need to get rid of our heart whatever hurting our relationship with God and with people around us. We have to step out of our comfort zone to reach out to God, and reach out to our brothers and sisters in need. Jesus spent forty days alone in the wilderness before he began his public ministry was necessary.

I hope all of us can be alone with God sometimes during this lent. I believe: only in a quiet place, we can face ourselves. Only in a quiet place, we can hear God’s voice. Saint Peter said some truth about our baptism today. He said: “This prefigured baptism, which saves you now. It is not a removal of dirt from the body, but an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Remember: when we let go of our selfish ego, our sinful habits and our sinful relationship, we are letting God take control of our life again. This is the time to repent and believe in the gospel.

A BIG THANK YOU!

The Funds raised from "St. Dominic Family Dinner Dance" event is $14,216.00. Thank you, One and All, for your love and support.

Wishing you all a blessed Lent!

Fr. Terry.