Posted on March 23, 2025 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
Lent is advancing, and with it, may we also begin to enter the conversion path. We are celebrating the Third Sunday of Lent, and in today’s Liturgy of the Word, Jesus calls us to penance and conversion. Or, rather, a demand to change our lives. “To be converted” means, in the language of the Gospel, to change our inner attitude and external style. It is one of the most frequently used words in the Gospel. Before the coming of the Lord Jesus, Saint John the Baptist summarized his preaching with the same expression: “He preached a baptism of conversion” (Mark 1:4). Today’s liturgy has its characteristics, which demand faithful attention and a consistent response. We can say that the first part, with both historical references (the blood shed by Pilate and the collapsed tower), contains a threat. It’s impossible to call them anything else! These are two lamentable misfortunes, but Jesus Christ, very seriously, tells us all: “If you do not change your lives, if you do not repent, you will all perish” (Luke 13:5). This shows us two things—first, the absolute seriousness of the Christian commitment. And second, if we do not respect it as God intends, we face the possibility of death, not in this world, but much worse, in the next: eternal damnation. The two deaths in our text are merely figures of another death, incomparably different from the first.
It’s impossible not to remember that the pandemic began just five years ago, but it’s important to consider what we learned as Christians and what teachings God left us during that time. I have learned to value life, freedom, family, friends, and all those around us. I must value you all more because I missed sharing with many of you, getting closer without fear, without complexes or precautions, and what is more beautiful, to value the smile and the beauty of life that God has manifested in our faces. Let us continue praying so that the ravages caused by this phenomenon are finally overcome because many did not return to practicing their faith, and we do not know where they are. Therefore, I invite everyone to return to daily masses and Sunday masses. It is time to overcome fear and return to being a Church and a parish. Blessed be God for giving us the gift of life and for his infinite mercy. I remind you that every Friday, we have the Stations of the Cross in English at 5:30 pm and in Spanish at 7:30 pm, and the days of confession you all know. Today, during Lent, we will hear confessions on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. I invite you to make a good confession.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who generously supported the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal last week. Your donation is vital and deeply appreciated. For those who have not yet committed or are considering it, I encourage you to support this program. Your faith, prayer, and generosity can make a significant difference. You can contribute electronically or use the envelopes in the pews. Please consider supporting this year’s campaign. On behalf of our Bishop Burbidge, I thank you for your sacrifice and collaboration. If you have any questions about this Lenten campaign, please don’t hesitate to call us.
I wish you a blessed week. Remember that we are in Lent, and we must work hard on our conversion.
Fr. Diaz
