 Vol. IV no 7 |
February 17, 2010 Catholic Church |
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Ash Wednesday and Lent — The Use |
Ash Wednesday and Lent
Here we are at the beginning of Lent. The French word « carême » is taken from the Latin word «quadragesima», which means 40. Throughout these 40 days, we are urged to deepen our conversation with God, to strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and to follow the Gospel.
The opening prayer of the Ash Wednesday liturgy sets the tone for this intense period of spiritual preparation: “Lord, protect us in our struggle against evil. As we begin the discipline of Lent by fasting, make this day holy by our self-denial.”
Lent is, therefore, a privileged moment to refocus our attention on the essentials of Christian life. It invites us to evaluate to what extent our daily life is influenced and energized by the power of love and new life that flows from our baptism into the death and resurrection of Christ. We are all keenly aware of our need for conversion and for a deeper relationship with the Lord. The Lenten period offers us an opportunity to recognize, with the clarity of vision that Christ offers, what stops us from fully following him. The Scripture readings for this day extend a clear invitation.
Through the prophet Joel, the Lord entreats us: “…return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning, rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing” (Jl 2:12-13). The exhortation of the Apostle Paul is similar: “We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20).
In the Gospel passage taken from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus refers to three traditional practices central to Jewish spirituality: almsgiving, prayer and fasting. These practices are still observed today. Jesus insists, however, that they be practised discreetly, since they constitute part of our intimate relationship with God, our Father.
These practices are intricately intertwined. Fasting cannot exist without a connection to prayer and charity, such as visiting the sick or the imprisoned, and helping those in need. Matthew’s description of the Last Judgment in Chapter 25 comes to mind. These three practices must be seen as ways of improving our relationship with Christ, of deepening our intimacy with God and of extending our range of concern to include those of our neighbour.
This Lent, may you experience the joy of following Christ, who leads you closer to our heavenly Father and to our brothers and sisters throughout the world.
† Jean-Claude Turcotte
Archbishop of Montréal
The Use of English
in Our CommunicationsOver the past few weeks, the question of the use of English in our diocesan communications has drawn some negative comments.
The primary language of the Catholic Church of Montreal is French. However, we cannot forget the Church’s mission, which is to encourage unity among its members, many of whom are English-speaking. It is a challenge that will call for open dialogue. Together, we will try to find ways to promote this dialogue between cultures in the spirit of our diocesan priority: Proposing Jesus Christ.
As the result of this reflection, our various means of communication will seek to respond as best as possible to the objectives we will set collectively for our community. These means will undergo progressive modifications in 2010. As of today, the Wednesday E-Mail will be presented in French, with a possibility of reading it in English.
Please, do not hesitate to send me your comments. They would be very useful.
Enjoy your read!
Lucie Martineau
Communications Director
Conferral of the Ministries of
Lector and AcolyteWe are pleased to announce that Mr. François GILBERT, candidate for the diocese of Montréal, will be instituted Lector, and Mr. Robin CHEUNG, lector for the diocese of Montréal, will be instituted Acolyte, at the Chapel of the Grand Séminaire de Montréal, on Saturday, March 6, 2010, at 1:30 p.m.
His Excellency, the Most Reverend André Gazaille, E.V., Auxiliary Bishop, will preside at the celebration.
Warm welcome!
Fr. Benoît-Marc Boyer,
Vice-chancellor
February 12, 2010
Cathedral Hosts
Montreal High Lights Festival
