Oppurtunity Knocks!

Dear Pilgrims of Hope,

Opportunity is knocking. Now, why would I use that phrase for a Lenten letter? Notice I have changed the wording from the common phrase, "Opportunity only knocks once."

When I was younger, Lent seemed to me a period to get through, to be endured, a season in the Church that I did not see as an opportunity but rather a season of burden and constraint. But now, I stand before you, a testament to the transformative power of Lent. I have come to realize that Lent is not a season of burden, but a season of opportunity. An opportunity to experience and grow in the things we hold most dear in life, i.e., love, peace, and joy.

Lent is an opportunity for these things and more. It is a time to look at our prayer life and ask how we can increase it or change it to deepen our communion with The Father. This deepening of our communion with The Father is not a burden but a source of joy and peace that can significantly improve our lives.

Lent is a time to give of ourselves, whether alms or our time and talents. "Giving is not only the way to love others, but it often satisfies us ...

It is a time to walk away from sin and into our Father's loving arms, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The less we sin, the more peaceful and happier we are. Lent is a time to experience the freedom that comes from focusing on what is essential in our lives and letting go of things that cause anxiety.

Lent is a time to experience the benefits of fasting. It helps us gain more control over our sinful actions, leading to a sense of peace and selfapproval. Most importantly, it's a time to deepen our awareness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit's love for us.

Lent: Let's open the door and embrace the possibilities it brings. An opportunity is indeed knocking.

Peace,

Father Maassen

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Dear Missionary Disciples of Jesus Christ, Before you hit send, is this an act of love? Before you say what you are about to say, is this an act of love? This is especially true on e-mails and social media. There are countless scripture quotes on how to treat other people, your neighbor, and even your enemies. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" Luke 6:27. "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you... For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?” Matt 5:44. "And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them" Luke 6:31. There are many more Scripture passages on how we are to treat our neighbor and even our enemies. Jesus does not condition loving anyone on whether we agree with them on any issue. Jesus does not condition any of these commands on whether we are angry or not. Jesus’ commands are unconditional. As Catholics, as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to rise above our anger and disagreements and treat one another with love. This does not mean we have to agree. It does mean we are to love. I also encourage you to talk face-to-face with someone you are angry with or disagree with; this takes courage and is the loving way. The following is right out of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 2477 and 2478): Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury. He becomes guilty: of rash judgment who, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor; of detraction who, without objectively valid reason, discloses another's faults and failing to persons who did not know them; concerning them. I will end this letter with an incredibly challenging quote from Dorothy Day: "I really only love God as much as the person I love the least." Peace, Father Maassen