Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Happy Lent! We are in the season of Lent, a
time when we are called to repent of our sins and return to the Lord. We are called to fast, and weep, and mourn for our sins and pray desperately for forgiveness. So why would I say “Happy Lent!” The prophet Joel (whose name means The Lord is God) wrote in a time of calamity, “’Even now’, says the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning … Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and
merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.”
Our God is a loving God. Our God wants to forgive. Our God wants to be in a right relationship with us. When we recognize our sins and transgressions, when we seek the Lord with all our hearts, when we turn to Him with all our soul and mind and
strength, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and bring us back to Him with joy and mercy and love. This is true happiness. This is true joy.
So many times have I heard the question, “How are we going to be able to grow the Church?” Growth starts, not with a program or a procedure emanating from the Diocesan offices or from the priest’s study, but with true repentance and a faithful return to the ways of the Lord. We need to come to Him, ready to hear where we have departed from His ways. We need to hear His voice, asking us to turn away from our sins and return to Him. And when we do, we will find His mercy, His forgiveness, His peace, and when we share that with others, they too will be drawn to His love. And so, my friends, I wish you a Happy
Lent!
Your brother and Bishop,
+Hendy