The Scriptures are filled with images and stories of people who need to see in order to believe. In the Gospels we read of many instances where Jesus healed the blind. Those whom Jesus healed received their sight and came to believe in him. The power of these miracles lies in the fact that people were made whole again, and at the same time they have gained the spiritual sight that will lead them to gain Salvation from God.

A conversation that fellow parishioners had with their two daughters a few years back made a big impression on me.

Lent was approaching, and they began talking about what they might undertake as a family for the Lenten season. They discussed options that would be meaningful, prayerful, and really help them discover more deeply the Lord in their lives. The homily that Sunday suggested families do something EXTRA for Lent rather than simply giving up candy, desserts, TV, or things that aren’t good for us anyway.