‍

Dear brothers and sisters,

Our season of preparation for the celebration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord takes on a new intensity this Sunday. We enter Passiontide. There are special texts for the celebration of Mass and statues in our churches are veiled, calling us to fix our gaze on the Cross of Christ.

The first reading is a powerful reminder of the sins of the people – the departure of the Chosen People of God from the ways God had marked out for them through the breaking of the Covenant, the solemn bond that God had made with them. In response to this failure, God promises a new Covenant that brings with it forgiveness and life. That Covenant is Christ Himself who, in the words of the letter to the Hebrews, is totally obedient through suffering and death and is our way to salvation.

The Gospel brings us to the very heart of things. Jesus exclaims: “It was for this very reason that I have come to this hour.” This hour is the moment of death – death that is not the end, but the way to Resurrection. The moment when the seed dies and – because it dies – brings the harvest of life.

In the days of Lent that remain, let us fix our gaze on the Cross of Christ – the instrument of death that is the tree of life. Our reflection on the Cross casts a light into our minds and hearts, into our lives that enables us to see ourselves as we really are, that calls us to the repentance that is truly necessary if we are to be ready to welcome the new life of Easter.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

‍

To discover the latest news from the Diocese or join one of our upcoming events, please click the button below to read this week's E-Bulletin newsletter.‍