A Note From

Rev. Joe Koyickal

Lent: Returning Home to the Father

As we begin the holy season of Lent, the Lord invites us to return home to the Father. On Ash Wednesday we heard the prophet Joel: “Return to me with all your heart, for I am gracious & merciful, slow to anger, rich in mercy”. Lent is a time to open ourselves to God’s mercy, a season of conversion, humility, & trust in His love. As displayed on our bulletin boards, Our Lenten journey is guided by three simple calls: Renew, Reconcile, & Rejoice.

Renew: Lent calls us to renewal through prayer, fasting, & almsgiving. Prayer deepens our relationship with God. Make it a point to find some time each day to be present to Him. Fasting helps us grow in self-discipline, not only with food but also with habits, tendencies & attitudes that hold us back. Almsgiving opens our hearts to generosity, inviting us to share our time, talent, & treasure in love & service. These practices are not about appearances, but about real interior change & conversion. What does renewal mean for me this Lent?

Reconcile: St. Paul urges us, “Be reconciled to God.” Lent invites us to heal our relationships—with God, with others, & with ourselves. This is a special time for Confession, forgiveness, & letting go of resentment & discouragement. As Pope Francis reminds us, God is never tired of forgiving us; we get tired of asking for His forgiveness. His mercy is always greater than our sins. What would reconciliation mean for me this Lent?

Rejoice: Lent is a journey toward Easter joy. The ashes remind us of our mortality & our call to repentance; & the cross reminds us that there is no resurrection without the cross.

Conversion leads to joy, & repentance opens the door to hope & new life.

The Temptations of Jesus: Our Lenten Journey

On the First Sunday of Lent, we hear of Jesus tempted in the desert. He faces hunger, desire for power & glory, & the temptation to test God, yet He remains faithful to the Father. This Gospel reminds us that Lent is a time of spiritual struggle & growth. Like Jesus, we face temptations—comfort, pride, control, & many distractions. Through prayer, fasting, & generosity, we learn to choose God over self, faith over fear, & love over selfishness. Let this be a meaningful & fruitful season as we return home to the Father-renewed in faith, reconciled in love, & prepared to rejoice in the joy of Easter. Blessings of peace & joy always!     

Fr. Joe