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Two-Minute Homily by Fr Kevin Smith for the First Sunday of Lent 2024.
“The little trouble I go to, that prayer I say to help me to forgive that person yet again, the act of kindness that will never be acknowledged all make a difference.”

• Two-Minute Homily Transcript

  Two-Minute Homily Transcript

  Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane

  
  We have, once again, commenced the great season of Lent. It is an invitation for the Christians to go on retreat. Now none of us can walk away entirely from our daily responsibilities to exist in some other realm for any period of time. And Lent is certainly not about trying to do so. But surely, all of us have to sometimes pause amidst the increasing pace of life, with all its associated increasing noise, to consider, just for a moment, who is important in my life? What do they truly need, as opposed perhaps, to what they want? And how can I, with all my imperfections, help to meet those true needs? When I am deciding what is best for those I love it takes some precious time and thinking about. But the results don’t just make a difference to them. It has more likely also brought out the best in me.

  Lent is the time when we pause to ask those same questions. The well-known traditions of prayer, fasting, which is really going without the unnecessary excess in my lifestyle; and almsgiving, in other words being serious about giving from the much that I have to those who have so little. Are an effective means of making the most of Lent for the betterment of everyone.

  As Mark’s Gospel today reminds us the time has come, the gifts of God’s kingdom are close, so will I take some time to appreciate those gifts with renewed gratitude. We are assured by God that such time and effort will brings its rewards. But lets try not to think of that reward as my own little prize because God desires much more than that for everyone. The little trouble I go to, that prayer I say to help me to forgive that person yet again, the act of kindness that will never be acknowledged all make a difference. They have an eternal worth, they are the Grace of God at work among us and they will have their reward. Have a great Lent.