Commentary

Our youngest turns 1 year old today. Last night we baked a cake, hung the birthday banners and set his presents on the kitchen table.

Dr. Seuss’ fourth book was published in 1940 and met with critical acclaim. It features an elephant whose large ears and long trunk provided the ideal infrastructure for the artist’s distinct lumps and humps.

It seems truly incredible that we are living history at this very moment. In fact, most people are not aware when they are making history, but there is no mistaking this reality for those of us living through this uncertain time.

As we begin Lent, we look ahead to the end of Lent and the celebration of the Paschal Mystery during the Sacred Triduum, the commemoration of the Passion, death, and Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.

We often take extra time to examine, reflect and seek paths to get closer to God during the Lenten season. Ultimately, we will find our hearts less restless and our lives more fulfilled as we approach closer union with him.

One of my favorite icons depicting the Church is Christ with his Apostles in a boat. Our Lord holds the rudder with the sails up, completely at ease and full of confidence as he looks ahead. Along with the Apostles, the Blessed Mother prays peacefully with her eyes fixed lovingly on her Son.

Olives have been cultivated and crushed for oil for at least 2,000 years before the Christian era. Scripture gives no doubt to the abundance of the small bitter fruits in biblical lands.

A dear friend tells me that she is working on writing the story of her life — including a compelling and sweeping conversion that saved her and led to the conversion of many in her family. When she comes to visit, she brings a few chapters from her story to share. She has decided it is time to entrust some of it to me and to another close friend.