A Message From Fr. Robert

Today’s readings show how God does not condemn His people – He saves

them. The first reading from the book of Exodus presents the well-known

story of Moses and the burning bush. This pivotal moment changes Moses'

destiny and sets the course for Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt.

Moses and the Burning Bush

As Moses approaches the burning bush, God calls him by name. Why?

Because God seeks a personal relationship with Moses. When Moses says

"Here I am" he shows he is ready to engage with the divine. God

expresses an awareness of the Israelite's suffering and tells Moses that

He will deliver them from bondage.

God’s Eternal Presence

God’s actions show He is concerned with human suffering, not just a

distant deity. God wants the Israelites to be free and commissions Moses

to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites. God assures Moses, "I will be

with you." Moses does not have to rely on just his own human strength

because he has God’s empowering presence with him. This reminds us

that God is constantly present. Even when challenges are beyond our

understanding, we can trust in God’s eternal presence.

Ordinary, Everyday Living

God revealed Himself to Moses when Moses was doing an ordinary,

everyday task - tending sheep. Likewise, God invites us to recognize His

presence in our daily ordinary lives. Not every encounter with God is

extraordinary, like a burning bush. If we watch for God’s divine presence

in our lives, we open our hearts to profound spiritual encounters. So, be

attentive to how God commissions us to do His will and know that God is

with you through every challenge.

Responding to God’s Faithfulness

Consider the ways that God is present to you every day and think about

how you respond to His faithfulness. By acting with humility, obedience,

and trust, we can know His eternal plan for our lives.

FASTING: In the dioceses in the United States, Catholics aged

18 through 59 are bound to fast on both ASH Wednesday (March 5

and GOOD FRIDAY (April 18). To fast means to consume one full

meal a day at most, although taking of other, smaller quantities of

food at the other customary mealtimes is permitted. Food and drink

between meals (except water and medicine) is not permitted on fast

days.

ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT: Catholics aged 14 and up

are to abstain from meat on ASH Wednesday, all Fridays of Lent,

and Good Friday. To abstain means refraining from eating beef,

veal, pork, or poultry at least, although eggs and milk products are

acceptable. The consumption of fish and shellfish is permitted,

though the penitential character of the abstinence should be kept in

mind.

EASTER DUTY: All the faithful, after they have been

initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by the obligation of

receiving Communion at least once a year. This precept is to be

fulfilled during the Easter Season unless it is fulfilled, for a just

cause, at some other time during the year. This period is extended to

include all the weeks of Lent and the Easter Season up to the

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Sunday (June 15th).

LENTEN PRACTICES: The faithful are encouraged

during Lent to attend daily Mass, receive Holy Communion,

participate in penance services, and receive sacramental absolution;

to take part in public and private exercises of piety, give generously

to works of religion and charity, perform acts of kindness toward the

sick, aged, and the poor; to practice voluntary self-denial, especially

regarding food, drink, and worldly amusements; and to pray more