Blurbs by Fr. Pete Literal
This Sunday’s Gospel reminds us of our call to persevere in faith and guide others in Christ’s truth. Like trees that need time and care to bear good fruit, we, too, must grow in faith, learn from setbacks, and remain steadfast in our mission.
Jesus warns against “the blind leading the blind,” urging us to be well-formed in our faith to guide others wisely. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a great resource for deepening our understanding, a treasure trove for living our faith more fully. The Gospel challenges us to bear good fruit, living with patience, compassion, forgiveness, generosity, and faithfulness. St. Paul tells the Corinthians, “Be steadfast and persevering, fully engaged in the work of the Lord.” Paul is exhorting us about what we have begun for our spiritual life.
Actual teaching is shown in our actions, not just our words. People may forget what we say, but they will remember how we made them feel. Let us lead with love, rooted in Christ, and be a light to those around us.
AS WEDNESDAY IS THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON OF LENT
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of penance and mourning for sins that begins on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Ashes signify physical death, as in “ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” We receive ashes to publicly show our intent to die to our worldly desires and live more in Christ’s image. Wearing ashes is a sign of repentance and humility before God. It also symbolizes our mortality and our total dependence on God.
These ashes used on Ash Wednesday come from the burned palm branches blessed on Palm Sunday the previous year. During the service, the priest blesses the ashes and imposes them on the foreheads of the faithful.
Fasting is observed in people aged 8 to 59. You can only eat one full meal. Do note that eating in between meals is not permitted. Abstinence is also observed on Ash Wednesday. This means we are to refrain from eating meat on that day.
The entire season of Lent is 40 days because the number 40 is significant in the Bible. It was 40 days when Moses went up to Mt. Sinai and 40 days when Jesus entered the desert. Thus, to give significance to those times, the season of Lent comprises 40 days. Lent ends on Holy Saturday, April 19, 2025.
