This Lenten Journey

Prior to the start of Lent, I was trying to be more deliberate about writing and posting and my own spiritual journey. I had the best plans of my own, but God had others. There's a saying, "Let Advent be Advent so that Christmas can be Christmas." Well, every so often I find that God lets Lent be Lent so that Easter can be Easter, full with yoru own heavy cross and Calvary pilgrimate to journey. Due to a number of factors, this Lent has been one of those, but it's also been replete with its own blessings along the way. I haven't been a faithful writer, and my latest project Totus Tuus -- a virtual pilgrimage to the beatification of JPII, did not happen as planned. But all is not lost! God is good and each moment gives us a new opportunity. I will write and I may even try to reconfigure the Totus Tuus blog. The important thing is that I had good intentions for the right reason and was open to inspiration. Being able to recognize God's blessings and presence along the rocky road to Calvary and Easter is also a grace, and for that I am thankful amidst the thorny bushes. As evening comes today, Christians around the world begin the most sacred week of the year with the arrival of Passion (Palm) Sunday and on Tuesday Jewish people around the world pause for the solemn observance of Passover. I love it -- for both reasons historical and spiritual -- when Holy Week and Passover overlap. It's a perfect reminder to Christians of our Jewish roots and the faith tradition of Jesus. We can only come to celebrate Easter in all its glory because of Passover. Sometimes seven days can seem like a lifetime, but usually seven days go by in the blink of an eye. This week take time to savor each day as you journey to Sunday. Take in the sights, sounds, and ceremonies and let them embrace you and renew your spirit. Have a Blessed Holy Week so that you can celebrate a joy-filled Easter!