Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     “Missed opportunity”   This may be one of the most distressing terms in the English language.  Why?  Because it has passed us by.  The chance to do good when a situation presents itself and the neglect to do it,  leaves us with a sadness and emptiness that cannot be retrieved.  But rather than wallow in self-pity over the lost opportunity we have the God of second chances and Lent is the very time we recognize God’s patience and readiness to His mercy toward us.  As we approach the mid-point of Lent, now is the time to let no second chance pass us by. Every day of this holy season affords us another attempt to do what is necessary to have a fruitful Lent.

     First, we make that necessary examination of conscience.  Outside the confessionals in our churches are ample brochures that assist us in enlightening our interior lives to see if we are measuring up to what God desires of us.  We ask ourselves in light of today’s parable from the Lord: “Am I bearing good fruit?”  If not, perhaps our “tree” needs some pruning (i.e. Confession), and cultivation (i.e. Prayer and Fasting).   These are the opportunities that we do not want to pass us by as we continue our Lenten journey.   God grant us the wisdom and diligence to “carpe diem”.

With Blessings,

Father Langan