The 40-day season of Lent, which began on Ash Wednesday, is an opportunity to “put things in perspective,” said Father Sean Ralph, rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
In his Ash Wednesday homily, Father Ralph told those gathered for noon Mass at the cathedral that we can start fresh and decide who we want to be in our relationship with God. When ashes are distributed, we are reminded that we are dust and will return to dust, he said.
“We must make sure to use these days of Lent well,” Father Ralph said, noting that the Lord gives us tools for this work: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Through prayer, we come to know the Lord more. “Lent calls us to do it more, better and faithfully. This is the time to make a commitment to a deeper life of prayer,” Father Ralph said.
“We should take fasting seriously,” Father Ralph said. “Through fasting, as we detach ourselves from earthly things, hopefully we will find a way to attach ourselves to Christ.”
Some people may choose to give up something like chocolate, but Father Ralph said we might want to consider “fasting” from something that can connect us with an area of struggle in order to avoid the near occasion of sin. For example, he said giving up watching a television show or reducing the amount of television we watch could provide additional time for prayer.
Regarding almsgiving, Father Ralph said we are created in the image of God and are called to be more like him. Almsgiving must be done from the heart, not for show. It can mean giving money or time to help others. He suggested calling someone who is lonely, visiting someone in a nursing home who may not get many visitors or volunteering for a program or agency that helps the less fortunate.
“By giving of our time, talent and treasure, we strive to be more like and closer to Christ,” he added.
Father Ralph encouraged the congregation to use the 40 days of Lent to deepen and improve their relationship with Jesus.
Ashes were distributed during Mass in the traditional fashion – on the forehead.
To help make Lent a more meaningful season, a Lenten resource page is available on the diocesan website. Click here to access a special Lenten message from Bishop Edward Malesic, his daily Lenten reflection, information on Stations of the Cross, as well as information on Holy Week liturgies and the popular fish fry listings.
The cathedral Mass schedule is 7:15 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday; 4:30 p.m. vigil Mass on Saturdays; and at 8 and 10:30 a.m., 12:15 and 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. The noon daily Mass and 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass are livestreamed.
Confessions are available 6:30-7 a.m. weekdays. Stations of the Cross, which are livestreamed on the diocesan website, are at 5:15 p.m. every Friday in Lent.