It's Not Too Late!

You are probably reading my column sometime in the beginning of March and I have good news for you.  You still have time!  You do!  It really isn't too late.  In a certain way it is never too late!  It is of course better to start earlier than later.  It is hard work and it usually takes time.  But then, in another sense, it really is not your work and the One who works is able to accomplish His work whenever we open our hearts.
 
I am speaking, of course, about the work of conversion that this Lent is about.  Even though Lent is well underway God is still quite capable of assisting us to make a true change in direction for our lives; to leave those nagging habitual sins behind and to establish a new set of priorities.  If you have been away from the Church or the Sacraments for a long time it is never too late for Jesus to welcome you back------Never!
 
But time is wasting.  Even the longest of journies begins with the first step. Of course it is hard to set a new direction.  Even if we are sick and tired of the pattern that seems to have captured us and it seems impossible to escape, don't forget that you are not in this alone.  You have a mighty champion who is fighting for you, cheering for you, ready to receive you!  He entered into our life and all of our experience so we could know that he understands our struggle.  He entered a Passion for you!  He even gave his life to raise you up!
 
Where do you start?  The Sacrament of Confession can be a excellent place.  Check your parish bulletin for the next Penance Service when many priests will be there to help or go to the regularly scheduled time in your parish.  It will be hard to take that step but you will feel like you are walking on air as you depart and you will have the powerful support of the grace of God as you move forward into your new life.
 
What do you have to lose???
What are you waiting for???
Easter Awaits!!!
 
Bp. Mark