We began Lent last year, and a few weeks into Lent last year churches began to close. It seemed like the whole world began to close; to shut down. Many of you were not able to enter into Lent, that is, enter into Lent going to Mass, and then for that journey toward Easter where we celebrate the Easter joy of the Resurrection.

So, for many people, Lent has become perpetual. We have not had that break where we celebrate Easter together. Easter was celebrated, Holy Week, Easter, the Octave, and the weeks going forward, at home for many people. And still, for many people, in some places they are still locked down, throughout the world. That is sad in many places. It is sad for the Mystical Body of Christ to be somehow separated from the celebration of the Sacraments.

For those of you who may be at home still and not celebrating mass in your churches, your parishes, you are united with us at this altar. And it may be an encouragement to you to go to Mass. Maybe you’re finding yourself a little afraid to go back. We are praying for you that you make that decision. I can guarantee you that most churches are spotless just like our church and clean just like our church. So come back to Mass. Receive the Sacraments.

Quote from Father John Paul Mary’s homily for the First Sunday of Lent

The coming of God’s kingdom means the defeat of Satan’s: “If it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”

Jesus’ exorcisms free some individuals from the domination of demons. They anticipate Jesus’ great victory over “the ruler of this world”.

The kingdom of God will be definitively established through Christ’s cross: “God reigned from the wood.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 550

Can we interpret the sign of the times? 100 years ago, an event, Our Blessed Lady appeared Fatima. She gave a great sign: the sun danced in the sky. What greater sign could we need? Not only did she give the sign but she had actually promised the sign some three months previously, and on the exact date and at the exact time that she said the sign will be given, it was given. A crowd of 70,000 saw it; people from diverse backgrounds, people who were opposed to the apparitions at Fatima, people who knew nothing about the apparitions at Fatima; they were all witnesses to the sign. And the request was made: Consecrate Russia. A simple request; consecrate Russia and she will be converted. If not, she shall spread her errors throughout the world. This simple request was ignored, despite the great sign. And so we are seeing what has happened. The morning has come and the sky is red, and it will be stormy and threatening in our times.

Father Linus Clovis