February 2004
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Christ is in our midst!
There are few things more beautiful than entering the church when the weather is cold and the winter darkness is falling. The vigil lamps make a valiant stab against the gloom. The church is warm and inviting, safe, alive, welcoming. The atmosphere makes it easier to leave behind earthly cares and to immerse oneself in the life of God if only for an hour or two. I live for these moments.
The prayers of the church are light and life. They penetrate deeply if we give them our undivided attention. They relay to us the Words of Life, of Holy Scripture and their proper interpretation, the deep mysteries of Truth in human words and the devotion of wise men and women who have given their lives to the Lord over the centuries with courage; these are our fathers and mothers in Christ who always intercede for us, guide us and protect us. They and their prayers inhabit the Church. The riches fo the Church are in the prayers of Her people. We need to make them our own.
The time of Great Lent is already upon us. You will find the lamps lit and the prayers chanted every Wednesday and Friday night when the Fast begins. All of this is for God. All of this is for you.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Antony Hughes