Today marks the first day of the 40 days of Lent – a six-week period of preparation for Easter dedicated to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Who offers food, offers self.

Each church gathers regularly to praise and thank God, to remember and make present God’s great deeds, to offer common prayer, to realize and celebrate the kingdom of peace and justice.

As is often the case with more seasoned members of any religious group, two elderly faithful move to the heart of things in today’s Gospel from Luke.

Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back…

From Sunday to Sunday the word of the Risen Lord illuminates our existence, wanting to achieve the end for which it was sent.

At this table, we put aside every worldly separation based on culture, class, or other differences.

Originally part of the Epiphany liturgy (celebrated yesterday), this feast’s Gospel is that of the Baptism of Jesus, where his divine sonship is revealed to all.

After the Easter Triduum, Epiphany is one of the oldest of Christian feasts – its observance pre-dates even the celebration of Christmas!

On a day when lots of resolutions are being made, resolve to keep Mary in your heart, to be guided by her love of Christ as we navigate the sea of life, whether it be turbulent or calm. She is your mother, and she wants only good things for you.