This weekend we celebrate the First Sunday in the Season of Lent. On this day, we always read the gospel story of Jesus’ journey into the desert. In the scriptures, the desert is a place where people met God and came away transformed.  The Israelites’ 40 years in the desert led them to a transformation in freedom and identity. Jesus spent forty days in preparation for his public ministry where he met the devil and obtained strength from His Father. He emerges from all the temptations with a deep resolve of His mission as our Savior and Messiah.
 
The forty days of Lent are modeled after Jesus’ time in the desert. Hence we create a desert theme in our sanctuary and willingly enter this season, expecting to encounter God in a unique way and to emerge transformed by His grace and strength. As we journey through these days, we have an opportunity to draw closer to Jesus and to become ever more conscious of His presence in our lives.
 
Today’s first reading from Genesis reminds us of our need for salvation because of our imperfection and sin. Lent is all about that salvation and the Messiah who accomplished it for us.
 
Each year the kickoff for the Catholic Appeal takes place during Lent. Since one of the traditional ways to observe the season is through almsgiving, it seem appropriate that we reflect also on the ways that the Archdiocese reaches out to so many throughout the year. Last Sunday as you know, we listened to Cardinal Sean’s homily and he again asks for your generosity.
 
Last year, because of your generosity, we were able to meet our goal of $36,303 for the first time in several years! If we don’t meet our goal of $37,798, then we have to make up the difference with parish funds.  Thank You for your past support and please help us reach our goal this year as well!