“How will you be changed, transformed during the season of Lent to become the disciples Jesus wants you to be?” Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost asked the faithful at Holy Martyrs Parish in Medina.
The bishop traveled to Holy Martyrs to celebrate Mass and visit with parishioners. He told those gathered for the 9:30 a.m. liturgy that he and Bishop Edward Malesic are traveling throughout the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland to visit as many of the 185 parishes as possible. He said these pastoral visits afford an opportunity to interact with more people than during a visit for confirmation liturgy.
“We’re on the cusp of Lent, my favorite season,” Bishop Woost said. “The Lord can help us to become better in every way possible. I enter the season of Lent with excitement to see what God will do with my life and with me.”
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He suggested that the faithful consider entering Lent in a different way this year. Often, people give up something during the season of Lent. However, he questioned if that choice really changes us. “Does it propel you on the road to sainthood? We’re all called to be saints and hopefully, that’s what we’re aspiring to. The road to sainthood starts in the here and now with Christ’s call to follow him.”
The bishop said what’s in our hearts and minds should be lived out every day in our lives. “That’s a challenge,” he added.
He pointed out that in the Gospel, Jesus accuses his disciples of being hypocrites by not fully responding to the Gospel message. The season of Lent affords us an opportunity to transform from the inside out by becoming the disciples Jesus wants us to be.
“For me, this begins with me asking what Jesus wants of me,” Bishop Woost said, asking, “How often do we do an honest assessment of our own discipleship? Do we see the beam in our own eye?”
He suggested being less critical of others as a Lenten resolution. “Give up being critical of others. Give up complaining. Do something to change your life, something transformational.” The parish has many opportunities to do this, he said, encouraging the faithful to give some time to one of these activities or ministries.
“Commit yourself to being with others in the parish for grace and reflection. Forty days can change our lives because of the grace of God guiding us to that transformation on the path of holiness. God is calling us to become saints,” he said.
“Bishop Malesic and I will pray for all of you this Lent. We ask your prayers for us, also, as we strive to be on the path to become saints in the here and now,” he added.
Concelebrating the Mass was Father Steve Dohner, Holy Martyrs pastor. Deacon Kyle Rosser, a transitional deacon who is on the path to priestly ordination, assisted. Deacon Paul Kipfstuhl served as master of ceremonies for the bishop.
After Mass, Bishop Woost greeted parishioners in the parish gathering space and the café area, where they enjoyed refreshments.
Holy Martyrs Parish, established in 1980, has about 2,000 families, Father Dohner said.