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We are halfway through the 40 days of Lent. Is there time to start if we haven't yet been ready?

Halfway through, we have time to find the ways that we need to fast, the ways we best can pray, the alms we most need to give. Halfway through and the invitation, the call, the summons is right there for all. Remember Jesus' parable wherein the last hired received the same pay as the first hired: Lent is open to latecomers.

As a youngster, Lent always seemed long. Would Lent ever end? We have reached the 20/20 point in Lent 2010: Twenty days behind us; 20 ahead of us.

Sunday is Laetare Sunday, which marks the midpoint in the Lenten journey to Easter. Laetare comes from the Latin word "to rejoice." We are to rejoice. Rose-colored vestments are used in the liturgy.

Laetare Sunday is associated with "Mothering Sunday," when flowers were permitted for liturgical use. We would return to the church where we were baptized - "our mother church."

Lent's midpoint raises questions for us. Have we been faithful to the promises we made 20 days ago?

It is time to think of the sacrament of reconciliation. Recon-ciliation makes any Lent personal and intimate. Parishes set aside a special night for a reconciliation service. Reconciliation is a personal encounter with the Lord who waits for us. Confession is not the sacrament. Contrition is not the sacrament. Penance is not the sacrament. Reconciliation is the sacrament that gives us a new beginning, regardless of the past.

Do you want to jump start your Lenten journey? Make an appointment to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. If you are confused about this sacrament, call your parish priest today and ask for an appointment.

(Father Rosson is pastor of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Church in Cooperstown.)

Editor's note: During the holy season of Lent, we will feature a weekly commentary on its various aspects and observance.

(03/11/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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