Well, I'm back.
I had a very blessed week. All was grace. I spent much of it in retreat with some Assumptionist friends at their center. As you might know, the Augustinians of the Assumption are known for their engagement with the East. Much of the art on the walls of the Assumptionist house was Eastern. The room I slept in was adorned with an icon of Christ Pantokrator and also a Greek depiction of the Dormition of the Theotokos. One of my friends there, a seminarian, carries around a prayer rope and prays the Jesus Prayer. How about that, eh? He's going to be a wonderful priest.
I repent of my lack of charity here in the past, and I sincerely beg you all for your forgiveness. I will not let it happen again.
I am reminded of the end of Epistle reading I heard at Mass this past Sunday, Quinquagesima Sunday:
"And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity."
(St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13)
I am very eager to begin Lent. I don't know why, but I feel such joy in anticipation of the penances and devotions I plan to perform. Joy, mixed with sorrow over the sins we have committed that led Christ to die on that Cross. I pray that, with the assistance of grace, the crosses we all bear bring us closer to Christ.
May the light of our Lord shine brightly upon you all this week. God bless.
