Praised be Jesus Christ! This our first Sunday of Lent 2021. In his lenten message this year, Pope Francis Says: “Lent is a time for believing, for welcoming God into our lives and allowing him to “make his dwelling” among us.” This is a season of grace, where through Fasting, Prayer and Charity we encounter a Merciful God who desires each one of us wih tender love. This takes a Lenten journey (40-Days) through which day-by-day, the Lord’s covenant with us is renewed as he did with Noah and his sons: “See, I am now establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you: all the birds, and the various tame and wild animals ... I will establish my covenant with you...” (Genesis 9:9-11). My dear brothers and sisters, God is more important than we are, and so is what God wants and does. So, Lent is the opportune time to focus more of our attention on what God is doing, not only in our lives, but also in the lives of others and the rest of Creation with our lives. As for us and as with every other generations, our response should be a deeper appreciation and understanding of His desire for each one of us. He is our Lord, who created and formed us long ago for His glory, and has redeemed us through the passion and resurrection of His Son, not because of our righteous deeds we had done, but because of his mercy – through baptism and renewal of the Holy Spirit. If we are to renew our faith, and subsquently our lives with the Lord this Lent, then each one of us has to begin to respond better to God in Prayer. The personal response expected of each one of us to the loving presence of God. Let us offer our personal response to God’s presence this Lent, be aware and acknoledge His presence. Remember, His love for us is more important than our love for Him. This is everything we can be - being docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, through which God communicates to us, in the interior of our hearts. May each day, be an optune moment, where we can open space for God to speak to us of his love and promises for us. Let us remain faithful and coscious to that union of God with us during this Lent. Together in Christ’s Mission Fr. Alfred Tumwesigye