Lent is like a long retreat
Lent is like a long "retreat" in which to re-enter oneself and listen to God's voice in order to overcome the temptations of the Evil One and to find the truth of our existence. It is a time, we may say, of spiritual "training" in order to live alongside Jesus not with pride and presumption but rather by using the weapons of faith: namely prayer, listening to the Word of God and penance. In this way we shall succeed in celebrating Easter in truth, ready to renew our baptismal promises. May the Virgin Mary help us so that, guided by the Holy Spirit, we may live joyfully and fruitfully this Season of grace.  – Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus Address from Saint Peter’s Square on February 21, 2010
 
These words are filled with many insights, and wisdom in light of current circumstances, given on the First Sunday of Lent by Pope Benedict XVI.  Over the years, I have found these words to be inspiring during Lent, but it seems to me that they resound with a deeper power today.  We must choose to receive this moment as an opportunity, a gift, to be with the Lord – to find the Lord in every moment is the way of God’s grace.  These days of Lent have become a surprising and austere moment.  It is my hope that for each of you they are an extended period of graces that allow you to grow in the Christian Life through ‘prayer, listening to the Word of God, and penance.’  In these strange days, I continue to affirm these ways of ‘spiritual training’ because they provide a sure path to ‘celebrate Easter in truth’ through ‘overcoming the temptation of the Evil One and finding the truth of our existence.’  Yes, I believe that this quote above, and the entirety of the Angelus from February 21, 2010, are a great guide for us so that these days of restrictions and limitations can yield a harvest of virtue and increase our relationship with the Lord our God.
 
More on embracing this moment as retreat in the days to come…
 
Now to the pressing concern: today is the Lord’s Day – we have arrived at the Fifth Sunday of Lent.
 
The Fifth Sunday of Lent – the beginning of ‘Passiontide’
 
The final two weeks before Easter begin today, in the traditions of the Church this period of time took on an increase in focusing on the suffering of the Lord’s Passion.  Thus, “Passiontide” became the name of this set of days at the end of Lent.  They were marked by a more somber tone in the Liturgy, the public prayer, of the Church.  Many recall this somber tone by the veiling of crosses and statues … And, actually, the Roman Missal – the official ritual for Holy Mass – permits this custom of veiling to this day.  These unique days of the Church year, highlighted by ancient customs, provide an invitation to focus in more deliberately on the bitterness of the Lord’s suffering during his Passion as well as our need to repent of our sins.
 
Although our current Liturgical Calendar does not mandate the customs of Passiontide, it seems to me that much can be gained from increasing our personal devotion to the Lenten Season in these final two weeks before Easter.  For some it is a chance to deepen their reflections on the Lord’s Passion and make firm resolutions to root out sin and temptation from their life.  For others, this is a ‘second chance’ at getting Lent right… perhaps, especially in these strange days, Lent hasn’t been as good as it should be and we haven’t done much to let God into our life in the past month – hope is not lost!  Begin anew with Lent in these final weeks, engage Passiontide as a new Lent and embrace the graces given as your entrust yourself to the Mercy of God.  No matter how you look at it, the Fifth Sunday of Lent is a good moment to take a breath and refocus on the Passion of Christ as we make our final preparations for Easter Sunday.
 
 
How to Pray today…
 
First, I would reference my post from last Sunday – “To whom shall we go?” – it has a bunch of suggestions, links, and helps.
 
Since today is the Fifth Sunday of Lent I would suggested either participating in a live-stream Holy Mass (there is always EWTN, among others) or prayerfully reading the Scriptures of the Day – here is an at home liturgy with prayers and readings – and, be sure to pray a Spiritual Communion. Also, to begin a little ‘Passiontide’ at home, I would make time for praying the Stations of the Cross or Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary as a family.
 
And… there is always Fr. Mike Schmitz – for insightful videos and Holy Mass – as well as the YouTube Channel of The Diocese of Harrisburg.
 
See, there really are lots of options for praying from home during this strange times!
 
 
 
A final word…
 
It is essential that we remain a people of prayer.  It does not escape me that these days are difficult: filled with anxiety, stresses, and confusion.  But, it is imperative that each of us choose to seek the Lord now, to give the Lord our God the priority that He deserves in our hearts, minds, and in our daily schedules… perhaps this is continuing your good habit of frequent prayer at home, or perhaps it is choosing to make this a new habit. 
 
Please, pray for the swift end to this public health situation and the recovery of health for the sick.  Also, please keep medical professionals, leaders, those who serve the common good, and vulnerable persons in your prayers during these challenging days.  Let us entrust ourselves and our petitions to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
 
 
Know of my prayers for you, please pray for me!
 
Father Wilke
 
Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us!