These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
![](/images/k2/68b62085e41e8f225811766f8d5eb2bb.jpg)
“. . . through the obedience of the one, the many will be made righteous.” (Rom 5:19)
Long before there was an Ash Wednesday, Lent began on the First Sunday of Lent. So if you missed Ash Wednesday, rejoice! You can begin the journey today . . . the journey with Christ to the Easter that never ends.
![](/images/k2/245effadf41c6129f4fe7accc564ef86.jpg)
![](/images/k2/1698b847c2e4fe98c05adcdc9d420590.jpg)
This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. (Is 58:6-7)
Fasting is not about my losing weight. Fasting is about doing justice. It’s not optional.
![](/images/k2/deb9f9efc56ef2a940bdf0d58ccaad5c.jpg)
If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Lk 9:23)
A good reminder for this second day of Lent. This journey with Christ to the Easter that never ends is an invitation that comes to us each day. And even if we fall on our face, the next day the Lord picks us up, takes us by the hand, so that we can continue the journey.
![](/images/k2/4d8c9898b5bb88437f053c8b957f47f3.jpg)
God is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, rich in kindness.
Lent is not about what we will give up . . . rather Lent is about what God has done in Christ. May your Lenten journey lead you to the Easter that never ends!