We live in a world that is filled with words spoken to us through instant communication. These words are aimed to communicate a particular message and are, many times, confusing and conflicting. Of all the words that are presented to us, none are more important than those of the Lord spoken to our hearts in the Scriptures. Lent offers us good time to spend in silence with the word of God and to listen to His voice.

During this month of February, as we celebrate Valentine’s Day and begin the season of Lent, may we know more fully the love of God in our hearts. May that love help us to give ourselves more completely to God and to each other so that we may experience the promise of our Lord, “I have told you this so that my joy might be yours and your joy might be complete” (Jn 15:11).

In his weekly columns, Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito often referenced the words and wisdom of the Holy Fathers.

Ordained to be a Minister of Joy

It is good to remind ourselves, as priests, that making small promises regarding gestures of understanding and kindness, especially to those who offend us, intentionally or not, support, in a concrete fashion, the promise we make to imitate the Lord in all things.