From The Super Bowl to A Super Lent…

Over the past few weekends, we experienced our own local version of the Super Bowl but from a Hockey standpoint. It was the annual Silver Stick Hockey Tournament at McMorran Place. This Sunday will draw not only local attention but national attention and even quite a large draw from the international community as tens of millions will have their eyes glued to the TV to see some expensive, brand new, and at times, funny commercials, but also to watch the Denver Broncos, led by legendary quarterback, Peyton Manning, duel the Carolina Panthers and the young phenom quarterback, Cam Newton, in Super Bowl L (Roman numeral for 50) at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, the new home of the San Francisco 49ers.

We have our own version of the Super Bowl, that is, in our Church, but infinitely greater every day and every weekend. Rather than having some of the best athletes in the world show up on a field to pulverize one another for a perishable crown (1 Cor. 9:25), we have the Savior of the world, the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who has won for us an imperishable crown (1 Cor. 9:25), and who is made present at every single celebration of Mass.

This is a critical time of year, not just to eat a great Super Bowl meal and see who wins or loses the “Main Event,” but in our faith, to see what kind of Lent Jesus has prepared for each of us. When is it? Only three days after the Super Bowl is Ash Wednesday, the launch of Lent – 2016. What will it be like for you this year compared to previous years? Different? The same? Hopefully, different. One question that might pop up in our heads is “what are we going to give up for Lent?” It’s a valid question. But let me add one to that. Rather than ask ourselves what we are going to “give up?” Another question would be what are we going to “give?” In other words, while we usually ask what are we going to take away, deny ourselves, or sacrifice from our normal every day lives, which is important. But another good question to ask is what are we going to do for the Lord or (alms) “give” to others that will be different during these 40, life-changing days compared to previous years? Here are three suggestions:
1). Rediscover Jesus! – While we all want to rediscover Jesus in our own lives as we continue to grow in relationship with him daily, I am actually referring to the book. If you haven’t read the book, Rediscover Jesus, by Matthew Kelly, that we handed out at Christmas, read it this Lent. Since there are 40, short reflections (one from each of the 40 chapters) for the 40 days of Lent, it would be quite timely and beneficial to start reading it soon. So if you received a copy, and put it on your shelf, pull it off, and get ready for the kickoff to Lent on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10th.
2). Dynamic Catholic’s, “Best Lent Ever” – Beginning Ash Wednesday and continuing through the 40 days of Lent, participants will receive daily inspirational e-mails with short videos from Matthew Kelly intended to lead to a daily habit of prayer. These brief, personal reflections will give you simple ways to bring Jesus into your everyday life. Each day during the program you will receive a brief reflection based on one of the 40 chapters in Rediscover Jesus.
* It’s FREE! Sign up at http://dynamiccatholic.com/bestlentever/
3). Come Encounter Christ – Mark your calendars for three nights this Lent from Feb. 24th-26th. Each night at our parish from 7-8:30pm will feature inspirational preaching from two, young and talented priests, Fr. Patrick Gonyeau and Fr. Ryan Ford, live music, Eucharistic adoration, and confession. Be there!

In regards to the Super Bowl, and since the “Saints” aren’t playing 😉 and who knows how long it will take the Lions to get there, I say, “may the best team win.” More importantly, may you have a blessed, fruitful and super Lent.
In Jesus, Our Victory,
Fr. Jeff

Author: Fr. Jeff Allan

Biography - Fr. Jeff Allan, was ordained a Catholic priest on June 7th, 2014 for the Archdiocese of Detroit (AOD). He graduated from Adrian College in 2001 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Criminal Justice. After working in the pharmaceutical sales industry for almost three years, he felt called to discern the priesthood. Before being ordained a priest, Fr. Jeff was blessed to receive three degrees from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. They include a Bachelor of Philosophy, Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB), and a Master of Divinity (Theology). His assignments in the U.S. have included serving at multiple parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit as an associate pastor and currently as a weekend assistant. Fr. Jeff is certified as a hospital chaplain through ACPE (Association for Clinical Pastoral Education). He has had the opportunity of serving at three Metro-Detroit Area Hospitals since 2017 where he serves in full-time ministry as a Catholic Priest and Hospital Chaplain. View all posts by Fr. Jeff Allan