THE MESSAGE OF THE REGIONAL RECTOR
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A Lenten Message from the Regional Rector
Dear People of God,A Blessed Lenten Season to each one of you.As we embark on this sacred journey of Lent, we might find ourselves asking, "What is it all about?" In the midst of our daily routines, responsibilities, and struggles, we sometimes lose sight of the real meaning of this season. Lent is a time to pause, reflect, and refocus on what truly matters in our spiritual journey. As I prepare my heart for this season of grace, I hope that my reflections may help you enter more fully into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection.Lent, first and foremost, is about Love—God’s Love. How much does God love us? So much that He sent His only Son into the world to save us (John 3:16). This season is an invitation to return to that love, to rekindle our relationship with God, and to let His mercy transform our hearts. Lent calls us to love one another deeply, in the way Christ has loved us. Love is not just a feeling; it is a commitment, a choice to stand by others in their struggles, to be present, to listen, to serve, and to forgive (1 John 4:7-8).Lent is also a time of Repentance and Renewal. We are all sinners in need of God’s mercy. Jesus invites us to return to Him with all our hearts, to acknowledge where we have fallen short, and to seek His grace to begin anew (Joel 2:12-13). Confession is a powerful gift that allows us to experience God’s boundless mercy. This season reminds us that no sin is greater than God’s love, no failure is beyond His forgiveness. Just as Christ forgives us, we are called to extend that same forgiveness to others, to let go of past hurts, and to be reconciled with our brothers and sisters (Colossians 3:13).Lent is also about Fasting and Sacrifice. When we willingly give up something, whether food, comfort, or time, we make room for God in our lives. Fasting is not just about deprivation; it is about transformation. It helps us recognize our dependence on God and strengthens our ability to resist temptation. But fasting is not only about food; it can also be fasting from selfishness, indifference, and negativity. Instead, we are called to feast on prayer, generosity, and acts of kindness (Isaiah 58:6-7).At the heart of Lent is also a call to Charity. Jesus reminds us that whatever we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do for Him (Matthew 25:40). This season challenges us to look beyond ourselves and to open our hearts to those who are suffering—the poor, the lonely, the sick, and the marginalized. Love can be expressed in simple yet profound ways: a listening ear, a compassionate heart, a shared meal, or an act of kindness that brings hope to another.We often hear the phrase, "Return to the Lord with all your heart," and we may wonder how to do that. Jesus Himself gives us the answer: Look for Him. Seek Him in prayer, in the Word of God, in the Sacraments, especially in the Eucharist and Confession. Look for Christ in your acts of charity, in your fasting, in your sacrifices. Look for Christ in your family, in your neighbors, in the suffering. This Lent, let us make space for Jesus in our hearts, so that when Easter arrives, we may truly experience the joy of His Resurrection.May this sacred season be a time of grace and transformation for each of us. May our journey through Lent lead us closer to Christ, that we may rise with Him to new life.With prayerful wishes,Regional Rector
Very Rev. Fr. Balaji Boyalla SAC
Gloria Dei Region