The Pastor's Corner

By Fr. Bob Hoffman

As a season of preparation for Holy Week and Easter, Lent is a time of repentance. We repent of our sins. And we do various penances…often by giving things up for Lent. We fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. And we abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays in Lent (although a Friday celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day is usually an exception…stay tuned on that).

Lent is also a time of spiritual renewal. I have told many parishioners something that I will repeat here. The most important thing about being Christian is having a relationship with Jesus Christ. Following the rules helps us in that relationship. But the rules are never more important than the relationship.

This Lent, I am hoping that we can all ask for the grace to fall in love again with Jesus Christ. To deepen the most important relationship that we have.

And yes, one’s relationship with Jesus Christ is more important even than one’s marriage. It might seem counterintuitive, but it is true. A spouse who puts God first is a better spouse. And by being a better spouse, they are also better parents. God first. Marriage second. Children third. That is the proper order. It is the order that God intended. And things work better when they are in the order that God intended.

So, make an effort this Lent to grow in your love of Jesus Christ. Ask for the grace to have that relationship deepened. And recognize and respect the proper priority of your relationships.