Faith

Deacons wear two special vestments unique to the order of deacons: The deacon stole and the dalmatic. They are worn when the deacon serves in a liturgical role such as at Mass or for the celebration of the sacraments of baptism or matrimony.

In word and deed, Pope Francis continues to encourage Catholics to reach out to the poor and not succumb to a consumerist mentality where what we have is deemed more important than who we are. The season of Lent provides a special opportunity to take the Holy Father's words to heart and live them out more fully.

When Frodo Baggins learns that the ring he has inherited is the One Ring of Power, which needs to be destroyed to rid the world of a great evil, he naturally has questions.

Q) Lent is right around the corner, and I never seem to know what to do for the season. I’ve tried giving things up, but it always seems a bit hollow. What should I do?

Lent is a time of reparation -- a season of sorrow for sins committed and expressions of a sincere desire to reform our lives. But what does it mean to be sorry? What are the components of real remorse?

Oh, to be a leper in those days. Lepers were considered unclean by the Jewish faithful. They were outcasts. They were accused of being lawbreakers, sinners. Throughout the Gospels, they had a nose for Jesus. And Jesus did not disappoint.

If a man, after prayer and reflection, thinks that God may be calling him to be a deacon, it is time to begin the application process. It is normal to waver. Is God calling me or not? Should I apply now or wait? It is better to apply sooner rather than later because the application process itself is an exercise in discernment.

Many facets mark this week’s Gospel, which might be titled “A Day in the Life of Jesus.”