We are on the California Catholic Daily as well. 

It isn't everyday when a bishop mentions you in his homily.

"God, indeed, who brings things to maturity, requires us to be patient for his works are generated and cultivated through thorns, crosses, and all sorts of hardships that accompany a ministry of the primary and essential relationship in the Church of Jesus Christ.  "Faith comes through hearing..." [1]

With regard to periods of fasting, this can be examined at a later time. In the meantime, their interior attitudes should be set deeply within, like mysterious roots of mystical plants. Allow them to grow to maturity, and all things in due time.[2] For the time being, therefore, they should adapt to a mitigated rule to rescue them from the sense of guilt. We shall climb Jacob's ladder very gradually, step by step.[3]

[1] Letter 946 to Cristaldi, August 20, 1824
[2] et omnia cum tempore
[3] letter 739, July 7, 1823, to Msgr. Carlo Manassi,  Bishop of Priverno, Sezze and Terracina

For Discussion:

When involved in any relationship it is often true that we must fast from our own ideas and opinions in order to listen to another. We have to let go of our own expectations in order to receive the other as they are, not as we imagine them to be. If we live in a land of plenty and anything is available to us anytime we want it, we are filled, satisfied, in need of nothing and no one else. If we fast from these things, possibly we could hunger for something greater, more satisfying.

• What am I giving up for Lent this year?
  
• How might  I direct this fast toward God?
  
• What would it be like to hunger for God alone?
  

Many said this was a powerful homily.  I generally like these kinds of compliments, but this time after hearing confessions on Monday morning, three people said it was the homily that told them they needed to get in the confessional. 

Many people asked me for a copy of this homily, so here it is.