This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I usually write my e-messengers from home on Thursday mornings. Denise has gone to work, and the kids have gone to school. I have a cup of hot coffee beside me. As I look around at the remains of the breakfast that needs to be tidied, the bike on the trainer for Noah to ride after school, and Lydia's various track and field accessories, I find myself feeling overwhelmingly grateful. I also find myself thinking and reflecting on the things in my life that all too often distract me from what I know to be important.

The season of Lent reminds us of our own mortality, our need for forgiveness, and God's call to each of us to live lives that reflect the grace that we have received. From the earliest times of the Church, our tradition has called us to use this time before Easter as a time for reflection, self-denial, and study. These practices are not meant to take us away from the important activity of our daily lives, rather they are meant to enhance what we already know to be good. They help us in shedding the chaff—aka the emails I answer at 9:00 p.m. when I could be helping with homework, or the book I could be reading if I hadn't chosen to scroll mindlessly on social media.

I often hear it asked, "What are you giving up for Lent?". Please, my friends, if you are giving something up simply for the sake of giving something up, don't. It won't work. Like the New Year's resolution that only lasts a few days, it will flop. But, if in your self-reflection you recognize how the world has caused you to drift from your proper course, well then, take some time to think about what needs to be shed in order to draw closer to what you know to be divine.

In Christ,

Mitch