THIS 'N THAT                      

          Have you ever been a slave? To most Americans that may seem a strange question, and yet slavery or bondage continues to exist in various parts of the world. People (especially children) are kidnapped to work, or held for ransom, or forced into prostitution. Sometimes parents give their children over to others to settle debts. Trafficking in human beings is as horrible as it is often ignored.

            Those living in slavery seek to be free. No form of oppression is gladly accepted. Our human spirit rebels against restrictions especially against absolute control by others. Today’s Scriptures speak of Moses, the one whom God chooses to lead His chosen people from the slavery of Egypt. They speak of Jesus whom God chooses to lead us from the spiritual slavery of sin. God’s plan for us is to be free, free to love and serve. Lent is an occasion to reflect on those habits and relationships that enslave rather than free us. It is the time to fast and repent in order to gain control of our lives and receive God’s mercy and forgiveness. May the freedom God offers us in His Son Jesus help us to bear fruit that is pleasing to our Father.

            Congratulations to our youngsters who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time last week.  I’m grateful to the parents who provided this opportunity for their children to know that Jesus loves us and forgives us and that there is nothing we could do to make Him love us less. He is the divine physician who heals us and the true liberator who desires that we live in the freedom of the children of God. May all of us experience the freedom of reconciliation this Lenten season.

                                                                                    Lenten peace and joy,
                                                                                    Fr. Stan