"For Lent, don’t give up anything," said Bishop Luis Zarama. "Instead, ask yourself what else you can do to get closer to God."
The bishop’s remarks came during his homily during Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral on Ash Wednesday, which included the blessing and distribution of ashes marking the beginning of Lent.
“Lent is a time of grace in which God invites us to see what is separating us from his love,” Bishop Luis explained. “It’s the time to reconsider the path one is taking in life and to finally answer God’s invitation to return to him and separate our lives from sin.
“Lent is about discerning where our hearts are directed and what actions we are taking to stay away from distractions like social media and other things in our daily lives,” he said.
At the beginning of his homily, the bishop expressed his thanks for the presence of Father Bill John Acosta, who concelebrated the Mass after a long absence due to health reasons.
“I would like to express my happiness and my joy,” said Bishop Luis. “Because one of the priests that we have been praying for his health is here with us.”
This year, Lent will end on Holy Thursday, April 6, 2023, while Easter takes place on Sunday, April 9.
