Lent, as a season of grace, provides time to reexamine our spiritual practices

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I recently had my yearly physical, and gratefully all seems well.  I am fortunate to go to St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, and they are always thorough and kind. I often hear from people about what a good place St. Peter’s is.  I’m told, and have seen it myself, the nurses, in particular, go out of their way and are well recognized for their good service.  In fact, they have been recognized with the Magnet designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for six consecutive years!  Truly, St. Peter’s has a good culture in addition to good medical care.

Even though everything checked out good with my health, my doctor did advise me that over the years since I came here almost nine years ago, I’ve gained about eight pounds, so he wouldn’t mind me losing that. That will be a challenge, of course.  I am usually out for most of my dinners throughout the year.  As I visit our parishes and other institutions for Masses and Confirmations, when possible I like to join the priests for a meal, to have a chance to visit. They always do such a nice job, and strive to have something heart-friendly, as they know that is what I prefer.  I am always grateful for all their efforts.  My yearly physical is always a chance to look at what might be affecting my health and a chance to make changes, if needed.
I was thinking that Lent provides us with the same opportunity in regard to our spiritual life.  We are a people of habit – I know I am – and we get into patterns with our lives, even with our prayer lives.  Making time daily for Mass, the Rosary and personal time with the Lord before the Blessed Sacrament in my chapel, all takes discipline. Of course, I always feel better after spending time with the Lord in prayer.

We prayed to our Heavenly Father in the collect on Ash Wednesday before we were marked with ashes: “Protect us in our struggle against evil.  As we begin the disciplines of Lent, make this season holy by our self-denial.”  The disciplines of Lent that the Church offers us are prayer, fasting and alms giving.  In a sense, Lent is an opportunity for us to see what is affecting our spiritual health, and try to form better disciplines, if needed.  Am I being faithful to my prayer time with the Lord each day?  Is Mass a priority? Some people got out of the habit of Sunday Mass during COVID and haven’t returned to regular practice since then.

Lent is a good time for recommitment for us all, as well as an opportunity to find time to pray with others. Why not invite others to go to Stations of the Cross on Friday or daily Mass when able? Why not invite your family to do some form of common prayer together in Lent?  Is there some charitable work you can do during Lent, or a good cause that helps others in need, that you can contribute to?  Of course, the Bishop's Annual Appeal is in full swing now, and I am always so grateful to you for your generous response.

It helps me to sleep better at night, knowing I can count on you to help our brothers and sisters who are struggling in so many ways at this time, as well as supporting our 20 seminarians in formation for the holy priesthood. But just think about how many people we could help if every household was able to contribute something?

I am always grateful for this season of grace to examine my spiritual disciplines as we prepare for the joy of the Resurrection. I’ll be praying for you this Lent, of course, and ask that you pray for me too. Easter is on April 20 and will be here before we know it, so if you’ve had a slower start to Lent, why not start something today!  Know of my love and gratitude for you.  God bless you.

Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA
Bishop of Metuchen