February: The Passion of Our Lord

Already we find ourselves in February, which gives us the opportunity to focus on the devotion for this month: The Passion of Our Lord. Tradition always guides us well, and this is no exception! As Lent approaches (and indeed will begin in February this year) how appropriate to set our thoughts, prayers, and hearts more firmly on Our Lord's Passion.

As Catholics, we are blessed to not shy away from the sufferings Our Lord endured for our salvation. We have Crucifixes in our Churches, homes, and often around our necks; paintings of the Passion, Stations of Cross, extensive readings of the Passion during Lent and Holy Week just to name a few. Of course, we see all of this in light of the Resurrection, but there is no Resurrection without the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus Christ. This really happened. And He did it for us.

"By His wounds, we are healed."

Take the time this month to meditate on Our Lord's Passion. It will prepare you for Lent itself by instilling the proper inner atmosphere of acknowledgement, sorrow, and gratitude for this great gift. Really consider what Our Lord went through for you before you decide what type of prayer, penance, and almsgiving you will practice this Lent. Pray to Jesus and Mary for guidance in that. Then, in just a few short weeks when Lent arrives, walk into it not in a scramble for "what to give up" or depression for the sadness of the season, but with the firm intention grow closer to Our Lord who created and redeemed us.

"For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world."