Pastor's Message - March 14/15 , 2026

My dear friends in Christ,

Our Lenten journey continues: “40 Days of Lent: Discovering the Quietness of the Desert.”

Last Sunday, in the Gospel from John (Cycle A), we encountered Jesus at Jacob’s well speaking with the Samaritan woman. Two important things happened during that encounter.

First, Jesus initiated the conversation. By doing so, He broke down barriers of misinformation, arrogance, ignorance, and isolation. Through that simple yet powerful conversation, the woman experienced conversion. Second, the woman left her water jar behind. This gesture is deeply significant. It shows that she had already found something greater—Jesus Himself, theLiving Water, now dwelling in her heart.

Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Lent, and in the Gospel we meet a man who was born blind and longed to see the light. Through faith and humility, he received not only physical sight but also the light of hope, love, and truth.

We are almost halfway through our Lenten journey. So it is good for us to pause and reflect: Where are we in our practice of the Lenten disciplines?

Are we still blinded by arrogance, selfishness, ignorance, bitterness, or pride? Because of these very things, the Pharisees in the Gospel were unable to recognize Jesus as the One sent by God.

The blind man wanted to see, but the Pharisees refused to see.

My friends, it is never too late to open our eyes to the grace of holiness and new life.

In the Jewish tradition, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are essential practices that help us grow in holiness. During this season of Lent, we are invited to reflect:

Are we becoming more prayerful?

Do we spend time in quiet prayer with God?

Do we share our resources with those in need?

Are we willing to give up things that hinder our relationship with God?

Today, perhaps more than ever, the world needs prayer. With ongoing conflicts in places like Ukraine and the Middle East, and the growing tensions involving Iran that have already taken many lives—including innocent children—we are reminded of the urgent need to pray without ceasing. May the power of prayer open our hearts to those who live in darkness, fear, and isolation.

Many of us try sincerely to follow these Lenten disciplines. Some may find it easy, while others struggle greatly. The path to holiness can be challenging. There will be obstacles along the way, and sometimes we may even ignore the call completely. That is precisely why the Church gives us forty days—forty opportunities—to begin again and continue the journey together.

Temptations are real, and they will always be present. When we give in to them, we compromise our dignity and weaken our relationship with God. In the process, we may hurt ourselves and others.

Some of us may even feel powerless in the face of darkness. We might hear voices saying, “Don’t worry about it. You don’t need to do these things.” Yet deep in our hearts, we know that we long for something greater.

Every journey begins with a first step. That is why we must begin the process of walking again on the road that leads to the “waters of life.”

Sometimes the journey can feel lonely, especially in moments of darkness. Loneliness can slowly diminish our sense of joy and freedom. But these are precisely the moments when we are called to fight for the light and return to the path of freedom.

Many of us have experienced setbacks along the way. Our spiritual journey is rarely a straight line. At times we lose ground. At times we fall because of our weaknesses. But remember this: when we return to the road, we do not start over from the beginning—we continue from where we left off.

Thank you for your generosity and your continued faithfulness to our parish community.

My friends, believe that God walks with us on this journey. May He bless you always with His peace and life. And may Jesus Christ—the One who gives light—guide us as we journey toward renewal, hope, and joy.

In Christ’s love,



Fr. Geoffrey