Monica Walton

As we wind down Lent and prepare to enter the Triduum, let us carry into this sacred space what we have offered during these 40 days in our Almsgiving, Prayer, and Fasting. The goal of Lent is to be made anew and rise on Easter Sunday as true disciples of Jesus Christ. How might we be more intentional in sustaining the good things that resulted from purging our lives of unnecessary habits and distractions, and repenting of all that pulls us away from our relationship with God? What new habits...

Jesus brings Blessings to us even when we are in the middle of the mud and the muck. In fact, He uses the mud of our low points to raise us higher! We heard it proclaimed on the Fourth Sunday of Lent in the Gospel story of the blind man. Even though he had been born blind, the disciples believed the man's blindness was the result of sin. Jesus set the record straight. Bad things don't always happen by fault of our sin. Jesus said, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works...

Lent is meant to be a retreat to the desert to reset and orient ourselves toward God. Jesus was led by the Spirit to step away to the desert to fast, pray, and prepare for his public ministry. He spent 40 days in solitude to clear his mind and heart. Jesus emptied Himself to be filled by the Father for the journey ahead. Now it's our turn. Every year, we are gifted the 40 days of Lent to retreat from our usual routines and journey through our desert experience. This is a time to step away...