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(During Fr. Ring’s recovery, the members of the parish staff will be writing the pastoral letter. Today’s letter is from Gene and Anna May) Dear Parishioners: On this Third Sunday of Lent, Week 4 of RENEW, we look to Jesus on the cross and hear His words: "It is finished!" We thank God that Jesus passion and death are over and say, "What a relief, Jesus. You have given your life for us; You have redeemed us from our sins. It is over." Then Jesus speaks to our hearts: "It is not over, my little ones. I have done My part; the rest if up to you." From today’s reading we learn that we are asked to choose new life - to put on Christ. We have been immersed in the living waters of Baptism. Jesus has called us to come back to the well. He has called us to conversion, as He called the Samaritan Women. He asks us to become like Him; in fact, to become Him to everyone He brings into our lives. Conversion is changing our way of thinking and acting, letting go of our old selves and putting on Christ. We can look at those around us; our spouse, children, parents, friends, neighbors and even those we do not like. We can look for Jesus in each of them and be Jesus to them. We can listen with the ears of Jesus; speak gently with the words of Jesus; touch and bring healing with the hands of Jesus and love with the Heart of Jesus. We can fill our homes with the peace of Jesus and let it flow into our Church, our neighborhood and beyond to al l the world. We can bring Jesus’message of hope to a world in darkness by living His words: "I have called you by name. You are mine. You are precious in My eyes and I love you. Gene and Anna May |
