Lent is quickly coming to a close

On this Friday morning before I head of to work it struck me that the routine of the past few weeks is about to change.  Every Friday since Lent began I have dutifully and happily trotted off to work, lunched on a seafood sandwich then leave work and head for church.  I have either attended or presided at the evening Stations of the Cross to be followed up by a little fellowship at the local parish fish fry.  Those Friday evening dinners of catfish or shrimp with all the fixings.

Beginning with the vigil Mass tomorrow and all Masses Sunday we will receive our blessed Palms and participate in the annual reading of the Lord's journey from the Last Supper to the Cross.  We enter Holy Week.  Early in the week events will include reconciliation services and the Archdiocesan Chrism Mass.  Come Thursday we arrive at the Triduum, those three days of remarkable liturgies and devotions.  Holy Thursday Mass brings the memory of the Last Supper and the washing of the feet.  Good Friday we live the Passion and Death of the Christ and venerate His Cross.  Saturday we wait; the earth stands still until we arrive at the great Easter Vigil; a glorious celebration that will include the thousands upon thousands of new Catholics who will enter the Church.  And then, we arrive at Easter Sunday, even though the calendar still says March.

Are we prepared?  Has Lent been helpful for us, both in reflecting on who we are and what change we must still make as we grow ever closer to God?  Are you looking forward to Holy Week and beyond, not because your social calendar is full, but because we look forward to all the spiritual grace that will be available to each of us?

It's a Friday morning in Lent.  Most of us are off to work or school.  Are we ready?  Lent is quickly coming to a close!  Tonight, see you at Stations of the Cross and the fish fry!