Homily – February 14, 2026

A friend of mine called and asked if I could visit his brother-in-law who was in the hospital. I said “Sure”. But then he warned me. “George hasn’t been to church in years so don’t expect any miracles.”

The next day I’m standing at the door of George’s hospital room. He sees me. “Father, come on in.” I step in. We chat a bit. Then I get down to it. “George, I’ve got the blessed oils here and I can offer a prayer if you want.” “Father, you know I haven’t been to church in years. I don’t get into all that religion stuff.”

“No problem! But just remember. This oil is good for whatever ails you.” That was me trying to be creative. But it works.  “Aw right Father, I guess it can’t hurt.” So, I offer a pray and anoint him with the oil of the sick. As I leave, he says, “Hey Father. I hope you have a good stash of that oil. I like that stuff!” When dealing with certain situations you’ve got to be creative, right?

Speaking of trying to be creative, our parish staff wanted to come up with a way to get you excited about Lent for this year. So, like a restaurant we came up with a menu of delicious spiritual entrees and appetizers for your Lenten spiritual dining pleasure.

Along with the distribution of ashes at the Ash Wednesday masses and our regular Eucharistic Adoration on Thursdays we have the “Big Ten”. It’s list of our ten Lenten specials.

Here they are. We’ve got two different Bible studies taught by Deacon Ray. And for Stations of the cross there’s the Friday night soup and stations along with the Living stations put on by the middle school kids just before Holy Week.

Then there’s faith enriching experiences like the “Two Questions gathering for me” and small group experiences like “The Chosen” series and the opportunity to be part of a small group for Lent. And with that we have a delicious serving of music you’ll hear in our Lenten Concert.

And finally. you’ll have the opportunity to unload your burdens in the Sacrament of Reconciliation along with a special evening of prayer and healing in the historic church. More on all this later.

In today’s second reading from, I Cor. 2, the apostle Paul speaks of something beautiful. “What eye has not seen and ear has not heard … what God has prepared for those who love him”. I imagine that’s heaven he’s speaking of.

Yet we don’t have to wait for heaven to experience things that eye has not seen and ear has not heard. You can enjoy them right now with the delicious spiritual dishes that we’re serving up for your Lenten spiritual dining experience.

Yes, Lent is a time for fasting but not fasting from the Big Ten Lenten Menu we’ve put together. So, like George in the hospital did give them a try. Pick your favorites from the menu and don’t be afraid to go back for seconds.