Pastoral Letter - Lent 2009 |
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My dear people This weekend, we are sharing in the National Day of Mourning for the victims of the devastating fires in Victoria. I ask you to hold up to the Lord in prayer, all who have died and all who have suffered so much. Ash Wednesday begins for us the special time of preparation for the wonderful feast of Easter. The Resurrection is the very foundation of all that we believe, yet, it is not one isolated event. It brings to a conclusion the whole life of Jesus Christ, and we are privileged to identify with much that happened to him. The humble circumstances of his birth we have just celebrated at Christmas. The temptation Jesus faced in the desert, the struggle he had to deliver his message of forgiveness and hope, the acceptance of the people followed by the rejection of the religious leaders that cost him dearly. Then there was the terrible event of his being condemned to death, the suffering, the indescribable crucifixion and feeling of abandonment. The culmination of the Resurrection came only after an experience of life which was a huge challenge. Our life is like that for we have to face and overcome many hurdles. Natural disasters, such as fires and floods, are an example. Jesus has been there before us and walks with us now. May we use the six weeks of Lent to journey to Easter, with Jesus as our guide, our mentor. This is the theme of our Lenten Reflection Program and I ask you to work through it, week by week, with your family, a group of friends or simply on your own. Read again the story of what happened to Jesus, read the stories of your fellow travellers from around the Diocese and recommit yourself to companionship with Jesus. During Lent, time for prayer, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, personal self denial and Project Compassion, all work towards a renewal of our life, based on us drawing closer to Jesus and reaching out to one another. Enjoy this time of Lent. Let God’s Spirit renew you. Yours sincerely
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