A Lenten Exhortation

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As this penitential season moves forward, let us all remember that its ultimate purpose is to bring us more deeply into the Christian Mystery.  Pope Paul VI found a beautiful (and short) series of words to express the method of going deeper into the Mystery.  "A Christian who is really Catholic must be an apostle with prayer, with example, with oblation, with suffering, with activity, with discipline, with organization.  A widespread effort of faith is the duty of this hour for every member of the Mystical Body of Christ."

Did you catch that?  Our faith takes EFFORT!  And, everyone...not most, not half, not a few...must put forth effort for the good of the Kingdom!  Indeed, a body becomes weak and cannot sustain itself when one part fails to serve its proper function.  In the same way, the Church will never be as strong as she could be if more of the faithful do not take up their particular Christian duties.

 Pray that all baptized people will become more active, willing participants in the work of the Church to build the City of God here on earth.

God bless!

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