As we celebrate Lent 2005 beginning on February 9, it is appropriate for us to reflect on our call to conversion and renewal by entering into the mystery of Christ's sacrificial Death and Resurrection expressed in the Holy Eucharist.  The Holy Eucharist is a sacrificial meal, a thanksgiving memorial of Christ's one perfect sacrifice of love.  With obedient minds and hearts, we embrace the great Lenten penances of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, that we might more freely and completely die and rise with Him—for our salvation and that of the whole world.

Heavenly Father, for your glory and our salvation, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Eternal High Priest, accepted all human sin and even death itself as He offered His sacrifice of love on the cross.  May we, your people, who share in the mystery of His Body and Blood, live the sacrifice that He has left for us.  May our works of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving build up the Body of Christ and make the Church more fully a sign of unity and peace, an instrument of the justice and truth of your kingdom, as you live and reign Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.  Amen.