In his Ash Wednesday homily, Father Don Oleksiak, diocesan vicar general, invited the faithful to reflect on their Lenten journey. Reflecting on the recently launched Jubilee Year of Hope, Father Oleksiak said as we begin this solemn day and season, we should use the Jubilee Year, with its Pilgrims of Hope theme, as a model.
Father Oleksiak celebrated livestreamed noon Mass in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on March 5, Ash Wednesday.
“Pilgrims of Hope serves us well as we reflect on our own journey,” he said. Father Oleksiak recalled the long journey of the Israelites from slavery to freedom, with the Lord as their guide. “He loves us and remains faithful to us.” Father Oleksiak connected this Old Testament scenario with the Israelites to those who are fleeing violence and war today.
“Our first call to conversion reminds us that we are all pilgrims in this life,” he said. “How do our lives reflect this? Are we really on a journey or are we standing still, immobilized by fear or hopelessness?"
“Today, we continue our journey as a people of hope. Today, we are invited to turn away from sin and to be faithful to the Gospel as we continue on our journey as a people of hope to the kingdom of God and the gift of life eternal.”
Father Oleksiak invited the faithful to reflect on their own journey as they “Work to eradicate sin and be the light of Christ for others. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, who leads us home to the Father in his heavenly kingdom.”
Click here for more information and Lenten resources. Stations of the Cross will be livestreamed at 5:15 p.m. Fridays during Lent from the cathedral except for Good Friday, April 18. Bishop Edward Malesic’s daily Lenten reflections can be seen here. Fish fry listings submitted by parishes, schools and organizations in the diocese are posted here.