6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

02-15-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Abraham Orapankal, Pastor

Dear OLP Family,

Thank you to those of you who signed up: Last Sunday we had the lowest freezing temperature of the year, making it difficult for people to come to church - with only about half the usual numbers for each Mass. And yet the response of those who signed up to join the “LIVE LENT! Small groups for Bible sharing” was encouraging. Thank you.

What do others say about Lenten group experience? Here are some responses of those who have been in small groups in other parishes:

“I really loved it and feel that it brought me closer to Jesus.”
“I’m so glad that I had this opportunity to be in a small group and I can’t wait for the next session.”
“This is a nice way to meet people in our parish, learn about their experiences as a Catholic and how the Gospel has influenced their life.”
“Excellent place to learn and grow in our faith.”
“I got more out of the Lenten bible sharing. Really enjoyed the small group dynamic.”

Another chance for those who missed: I wish to offer another sign-up opportunity this Sunday to those who could not be present last Sunday. I earnestly encourage you to sign up and reap the benefits of understanding the Scriptures better. The commitment is only for the six weeks of Lent. You can join a group of your choice in terms of the day and time of your availability.

Please note our Ash Wednesday Services: Lent is the liturgical time lasting 40 days before Easter when Catholics prepare to commemorate Jesus’s Resurrection through prayer, penance, and fasting. Ash Wednesday marks the first day of the Lenten season. The Services here at OLP are: 8 AM Mass, 12:10 PM Mass, and 7 PM Prayer Service. Most welcome to come to any of these and begin this Holy Season of Lent in the right spirit.

Is Ash Wednesday a Holy Day of Obligation?
No, Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation. However, people flock to churches to witness to their Catholic faith, and mortality, by receiving ashes on their foreheads and spending the day in fasting and prayer.

What’s the point of Lent? We must keep in mind that Lent is not just a season on a calendar; it is not merely a checklist that comes around annually, when we might give up coffee, chocolate, alcohol or TV for 40 days, leaving absolutely no impact on us after those 40 days. The real impact should be growing closer to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. What better way to do that than by becoming more familiar with His Word in the Scriptures. That is why I am inviting you again to consider signing up to join the small groups. Will you, please?

Your brother in Christ.