Posted on February 21, 2025 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear Parishioners:
We are a few days away from ending February and starting March, the liturgical season of Lent. This Sunday, Jesus presents us with a radical teaching about love and mercy in the gospel.
It is a profound call to go beyond human expectations and live according to the values of the Kingdom of God. Jesus asks us for something that goes beyond what the world considers fair or reasonable: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you” (Luke 6:27). This teaching challenges our human nature, which tends to seek revenge or justice into our own hands. However, Jesus calls us to mercy and forgiveness, as He showed us in His life and death. The passage also highlights the importance of generosity, not only materially but also in our attitude. Jesus invites us to give without expecting anything in return, to forgive and not condemn. “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:38). This reminds us that how we treat others reflects our relationship with God. We experience God’s same generosity and mercy if we are generous and merciful.
This weekend, we will have the first reminder about the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal. The BLA is an opportunity to support the bishop’s programs in the diocese and your contribution, no matter how big or small, matters. “I ask you to consider pledging the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal this year as a reflection of the abundant graces that flow from Christ’s gift of self. Your offering will enable the various programs and ministries of the Diocese of Arlington to extend the life and love of Christ in exciting ways. With your support, we will continue to make visible the sacrificial love of Our Lord Jesus to all in our diocese and beyond” (Bishop Burbidge). Some of you have probably already received the envelopes and information inviting you to make this year’s pledge. I humbly ask you to collaborate in this year’s campaign; if you have not done so, you will have the opportunity to do so next weekend (March 1-2); our bishop thanks you for your sacrifice and collaboration; on his behalf, I thank you.
Finally, as I asked you in one of the previous letters, Lent starts in a few weeks. Ash Wednesday will be next, March 5th, so I ask all those who have palms in their homes to bring them to the parish office to make this year’s ash. Last year, the influx of parishioners was very high, and all our ashes were finished, so we need enough palms to have enough this year. You can leave the palms in the church vestibule or bring them to the office.
I hope you have a blessed week. Remember, you are always in my prayers.
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Alex
