No ordinary gift

     In his first letter which formed the first reading for today's liturgy, Peter speaks of the prophets who laid the groundwork for our understanding of our relationship with God.  Their probing of the word and action of God allowed them to see that it was not about them, but rather about those who would come after them, those for whom the promise was made.  Good News was revealed and proclaimed, the Holy Spirit brought the heavenly reality to mortal man, and we are invited understand, enter into and share in something "into which angels longed to look."  This was no ordinary gift.  This was something that even those most closely created in the Divine image longed to see.  This was God's love manifest in the gift of the Living Word, Jesus, God's Son, one with us, given to us, and walking with us into the glory of heavenly things.

     As we stand at the threshold of Lent, the next words of Peter are an invitation: "Gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."  Do not follow your former unenlightened desires, but "be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, Be holy because I am holy."  This not so ordinary gift is worth any and every sacrifice, for it comes to us from the ultimate sacrifice of love on that Good Friday afternoon.

HAPPY  LENT