The Church’s ‘great retreat’ gives us a chance to follow Jesus into the desert.
By Bishop Richard F. Stika
Does it not seem like Christmas was yesterday? January was just this afternoon and February just a minute ago. Time can be so deceiving. I often think I will have time to do something later, then all of sudden it is later, and I say it again: “I will do it later.”
In one sense, this time of year reminds me of a mystical experience. I look forward with each passing day to the beginning of that which brings life into my world and mysteries that will be revealed in the future. It involves tradition and history and the saving grace that comes only with practice and devotion. Yes, you who are wise may have already guessed what I am reflecting on: the beginning of spring training, when even Cub fans have a feeling of optimism. And so, when pitchers and catchers report for spring training, I regain my sense of optimism that once again my beloved Cardinals will answer the mystery of who will win the Series come October. Hope springs eternal!
Gotcha!
As I write, it will soon be Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the great retreat for the Church. With each day of the season of Lent, we are given the opportunity to reflect on the great gift of Jesus Christ and his invitation to follow him into the desert to ponder and reflect. What a powerful gift the Church celebrates each year as we look into our lives to see how well we treasure the life that has been given to us, the faith we share, and the grace of the presence of God in our lives. Please make use of this time, when soon the world will awaken to the beauty of creation and the gift of springtime.
Lent is not a painful time. It is not a time that we “give up” but rather a time that we give. It might involve a reawakening of faith, a renewed sense of the power of prayer, and especially a greater appreciation of the summit of all worship: the Eucharist. It is not about giving up chocolate or those many things we enjoy but rather seeking forgiveness of one whom we have hurt or forgiving one who has wronged us. It is about seeking to assist those in need or reaching out to those who are lonely or lost. It is about putting our house in order and knowing who we are as we stand before God.
Each year, as I make my own commitments to this yearly retreat, I try to find a Scripture passage or other spiritual reading I might use as a reflection. This year I have chosen a passage from a homily that was once given by St. John Chrysostom. I hope you will find helpful:
Practice prayer from the beginning. Paint your house with the colors of modesty and humility. Make it radiant with the light of justice. Decorate it with the finest gold leaf of good deeds. Adorn it with the walls of faith and generosity. Crown it with the pinnacle of prayer. In this way you can make a perfect dwelling place for the Lord. You will be able to receive him as in a splendid palace and through his grace you will already possess him, his image enthroned in the temple of your spirit.
Have a blessed and holy Lent! Till next time.
BISHOP STIKA’S SCHEDULE
These are some of Bishop Stika’s appointments:
Feb. 21: 9 a.m., Mass, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; 1:30 p.m., rite of election for Chattanooga Deanery, St. Stephen Church, Chattanooga; 6:30 p.m., rite of election for Cumberland Mountain Deanery, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Lenoir City
March 1-6: tour of seminaries
March 7: 11 a.m., confirmation, St. Stephen Church, Chattanooga
Tags: Bishop Richard F. Stika
