Chaplains Page

Even as the days grow longer we are reminded that our earthly days grow shorter. Ash Wednesday literally marks the finitude of our life--the truth that we are but ashes and dust strikes square between the eyes. In the Lenten days that follow we seek to make the most of our limited time.The ancient disciplines of the season: fasting, prayer, and works of mercy are tools God has given us for our daily struggle against the forces of evil. I was struck by the allusion to the badge we carry in this meditation on Lent written by Pope Benedict XIV--that’s right, XIV, not XVI--in 1741: “The observance of Lent is the very badge of the Christian warfare. By it we prove ourselves not to be enemies of the cross of Christ. By it we avert the scourges of divine justice. By it we gain strength against the princes of darkness, for it shields us with heavenly help. Should mankind grow remiss in their observance of Lent, it would be a detriment to God's glory...” Please pray with me: Lord God, our strength, the battle of good and evil rages around and within us, and our ancient foe still tempts us with his deceits and empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your word, and, when we fall, raise us again and restore us, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Chaplain Tom