March is
finally here – although it was much warmer in February.! March means that all
the baseball teams are in Florida or Arizona getting ready for the new season.
They call it Spring Training.
Some
players, like Tim Tebow of the Mets, want to see if they have what it takes to
play Major League Baseball. All the
players – veterans and rookies – want to work on their skills. They want to
practice their hitting, fielding and running.
They want to become better players.
Lent means “Spring.”
Someone once described Lent as Spring Training for the soul. We want to be
better followers of Jesus.
Jesus spent
40 days in the desert – to get ready for his public ministry. So, Lent is 40
days. In the desert, Jesus faced different temptations. He did not want to make the same mistakes
that Adam and Eve did – to give into temptation and sin.
1) Turn stones into bread – get something,
buy something, eat something: that will be the answer! So, we Fast During Lent.
Many of us give up something – Twitter lists top 5: alcohol, social networking,
chocolate, twitter & chips. We offer
it up – unite with Jesus sacrifice. Even more important – fast from sin – make a
good Confession.
2) Throw yourself from the temple – test
God. Jesus always – not my will but you
will be done. And so, we pray – St. John
Damascene - lift up minds and hearts to God. Morning, evening, meals, Mass,
Bible, Rosary, Stations.
3) Bow down and worship me - power and glory – the answer is to serve
others – almsgiving. Pope Francis says if you see someone in need - just give. We will do that next Friday with all the
Midnight Run donations you gave us. Rice
Bowls, SVDP, your favorite charities & very important – give yourself to your
own family.
One player
at Spring Training this year is Tim Tebow. He is trying to see if he is good
enough to play for the Mets.
Asked: Do
you feel pressure? “What pressure? You
mean 0 for 12 vs like fighting for your life or being homeless. That’s why there is no comparison – that’s why
you can handle pressure in sports – it’s a game!”
“Sports - It’s
not why I am here, it is not my biggest purpose, it is not my biggest calling.
It’s not how I want to be known in my life – not to be known as a football or
baseball player. I want my life to be so much more than that!”
“I want to
be someone that was known for bringing faith, hope and love for those needing a
brighter day in their darkest hour of need. This is so much bigger than sports.”
Thank you,
Mr., Tebow – sound like a definition of a good Christian. – a great reminder
WHY we need the season of Lent!
