What to do?

     I was reminded today of an old story that I heard.

     A small congregation wanted to refresh their church as Spring drew near.  It was agreed upon that they paint the interior of the building.  The only problem was that their numbers were small, and their budget even smaller.  They got local volunteers to do the work.  They chose the color and grade of paint (a mid quality brand) and attempted to stay within the budget.

     Work progressed swiftly.  But to make ends meet, they began to thin the paint.  Finally the job was done, and the pastor and council came to inspect.  They were not pleased.  The dirt, the water stains and the ribbing on the ceiling were showing through.  They were unhappy, but were at a lose as to what to do since the allocated funds were gone.

     Suddenly from somewhere up above a voice was heard:  "Repaint, and thin no more!"

     Both the passage from the Hebrew Scriptures and the Gospel at today's Mass contained that same message ... the message of LENT:  "Repent, and sin no more!"  We should not be at a loss as to what to do.  The answer is clear.  Use LENT well.

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     I offer my congratulations to a seminary classmate and good friend from the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Father Joseph Mele, we was recently appointed as Rector of Saint Paul Seminary in Crafton (Pittsburgh) and Director of Pre-Ordination Formation while retaining his role as Director of Post-Ordination Formation.  He has served as well as a Vicar General of the Diocese under Bishop David Zubek.