St. Joseph of the Lakes

It feels like we just began our Lenten observances and here we are at the great proclamation of Easter. I am not exactly sure if I accomplished all I had hoped to do during this season, yet my spirit feels fuller and more open to the experience of Christ’s resurrection. This year, because of my limitations I spent less time attempting to achieve some great penance (I suspect that is for younger souls than mine) but I was diligent in my spiritual reading and my time in silent prayer. In the past I would seek out lofty penances such as fasting three days a week, or not eating meat except on a Sunday. I could never speak to the benefits of doing these things, and usually Easter came as a great release so that I didn’t have to apply that discipline any longer. This year in doing smaller and more realistic things I have actually developed a stronger prayer time and I find the saints have become closer to me as I have read their writings. 

Happy Easter! It is my hope that your Lent was fruitful and that your Easter will be a great period of time to bask in the Good News that Christ has been raised from the dead, he is the first—born of all who will rise on the last day! May this day of Easter bring you comfort and joy!