Kaukauna Catholic Parishes

Several years ago, I had a very unique retreat experience. Upon arrival at the retreat, the director gave me a small stone; it easily fit into the palm of my hand. My task was to carry that stone for the next three days. I was allowed to switch from hand to hand but could not lay the stone down or put it in my pocket.

It was not long before I came to the realization of how annoying it was to carry that small stone. It got in the way of the simplest of tasks. The point was very apparent. The stone is sin. One small sin can and does change our lives and gets in the way of us being able to live a full, rich life. 

Now imagine some of the largest stones that we carry --stones that we pick up because of pride, prejudice, despair, or even ignorance. 

Of course the amazing truth is that God can and does free us from that burden. If we are but willing to turn to God and ask for the Grace and Mercy we need, God will  remove that burden from our lives. 

The power of the Lenten journey is of course discovered in the experience of the glorious Resurrection. As we enter into our Lenten journey, I encourage you to find a stone and carry it with you for three or four hours.  OR, if you want a powerful experience of the reality of sin, carry it for a few days, never putting it down during this time, but allowing the stone to help you discover how much it really changes your life. Then, pray about what stones you are carrying that you want God to help you finally let go of so you can experience life free from that burden. 

I promise you that this preparation for Lent can and will enable each of us to experience the Resurrection in new and amazing ways.  Peace and Joy! 

Fr. Don