My dear parishioners and visitors;
We are now in the 1st week of Lent. The basic message of Lent is always about repentance. Repentance comes from a Greek word: metanoia. It means a change of mind, a conversion of heart: turning away from sins and turning towards God.
St. Luke, in today’s gospel, tells us that the devil, a fallen angel, three times, tempting Jesus and Jesus, three times, saying No to him. Jesus’ temptations (CCC. 538-540) reminds us of Adam and Eve’s in the Garden of Eden (Gn. 3:1-7) and of the Israelite’s in the desert (Ex. 32:1-6: the golden calf).
Temptations seem to be everywhere these days and we are facing with it every day. Jesus teaches us and urges us firmly saying No to whatever that is destroying the greatness and beauty of our heart, soul, mind and body, such as our own sinful habits, attitudes, behaviors, thoughts and actions. (CCC. 538-540, 2855, 2084, 2096, 2119), and faithfully living our life through Him, with Him, in Him and for Him.
The good news for us this week is that we just received a cheque of $15.845.40 from the Bishop’s office. This cheque is from our FIA-Over-Goal, also the renovation is going well. I thank you all for your faith commitment and for your generous love for God and for our parish-family.
Have a blessed week. Fr. Peter Hoan Nguyen.
PENITENTIAL DISCIPLINE (ORDO pg. 51)