I was grateful last Wednesday when Fr. Ricky returned from his trip to attend Bishop Ramon’s consecration in Monterey and celebrated Ash Wednesday Mass with me for all of you. I would have done it regardless, but his presence brought a deep sense of relief, especially as I continue to strive to communicate meaningfully in Spanish with everyone, including our older parishioners who primarily speak only Spanish. I know many of you assume I speak Spanish fluently, based on how you interact with me, because I celebrate in that language. While I continue learning, I remain committed to making our liturgical celebrations accessible and spiritually enriching for you. Serving this community at Our Lady of Angels Church has been a blessing, and I will continue to do my best to accompany you in your faith journey.
Today’s liturgy recalls the creation of the first man and woman and the story of the fall (Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19). These readings remind us of human limitation and the reality of our finality. God alone is infinite, yet through death we step into a deeper spiritual dimension where God holds our lives in eternity. Every day, this truth invites us to reflect not only on our beginnings but also on our destiny, recognizing both our fragility and our hope.
While preparing for Ash Wednesday, I read a reflection attributed to “The Catholic Dailies” that left a strong impression on me. After reflecting on its message and its firm spiritual guidance, I adapted its key insights to shape what I hope to share with you during this Mass. The reflection challenged me to look beyond routine observance and to see Lent as an intentional journey toward renewal.
I have heard many people say they love Lent even more than Easter, perhaps jokingly, because of the tradition of eating fish instead of meat on some of the days. Moreover, Ash Wednesday, a day that calls us to authentic conversion, something that the Church cannot impose by law, but something that must arise from the heart, wasn’t a holy day of obligation. Nevertheless, it marks a profound invitation from the Church. Beyond ritual, crowds come forward to receive ashes as a reminder of our mortality and need to return to God. The tone of the liturgy during the entire season is sober rather than celebratory, urging us to acknowledge that life is fragile and fleeting and to seek the One (God) who gives lasting life.
This Sunday’s readings continue that message, emphasizing that fragility and temptation are real and touch every human life. The connection to Adam and Eve’s fall reminds us of humanity’s fragility and vulnerability, while also pointing to Christ, who faced temptation yet remained faithful (Romans 5:12-19). In Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 4:1-11), Jesus’ encounter with Satan shows that even the Son of God did not ignore the reality of spiritual struggle. Building on that passage, finally, I remind us today that if situations did not spare Christ of temptation, none of us should presume immunity; instead, we should remain vigilant and grounded in grace abundantly flowing through Christ’s sacred passion (John 1:16). We pray that God will strengthen us against anything that distracts us from our Lenten journey, helping us focus on what truly matters, including our relationship with God, the well-being of our families, and the faithful work entrusted to us each day.
