The Season of Lent

On Wednesday, we begin the season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday we receive the ashes on our foreheads reminding us that: “We are dust and unto dust we shall return.” The ashes remind us not only of our mortality, but also that our good intentions, our good efforts, have turned to ashes. We are also reminded that many of our relationships have turned to ashes.

Historically, the Church has lived the season of Lent in the light of the Sacrament of Baptism and Penance. In the sacrament of Baptism we enter into a special relationship with Christ and receive a new life, a life of grace, which keeps us united to Christ. The Church reminds us that we have festered in our relationship to Christ, that we have broken or weakened that relationship. Maybe it has turned to ashes. So the Church stresses the importance of doing penance, especially the need to repent and be reconciled with Christ. The sacraments of Baptism and Penance are central to the scripture readings and to the Church’s understanding of Lent. That is why the Church celebrates the season of Lent, and it is a special time for the catechumens and candidates on their journey into full communion with the Church. Those who are preparing to enter the Church will be baptized, make a profession of faith and receive the sacrament of penance. The newcomer to the Church strengthens the faith of believers, adds to their numbers, and challenges us to look at our own baptismal commitment.

The season of Lent challenges us to admit that we have sinned and fallen short of glory of God. If we are not sinners we have no need of the sacrament of Penance. If we are not recognizing ourselves as sinners, we have no need for Christ. No man or woman can celebrate the mystery of Christ in joy if they do not recognize that he or she is a sinner. We all need to cry out, “Lord, be merciful to me a sinner.” The Church also places before us the great cardinal works of the spiritual life – prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Traditionally these works were part of the spiritual exercises ad also a sign of repentance. They were seen as a sign of the goodwill of a person and the community to repair the damage done by our sins. These works of mercy not only renew and strengthen our faith and spiritual discipline; they also help those in need. Our fasting and abstinence during this special season strengthens the body of Christ, and it also is a sign that we are willing to undertake the gospel way of life. On Ash Wednesday, we hear the words of Jesus: “Repent and be faithful to the Gospel.” Let us pray that this season of Lent will strengthen us to bring forth abundant fruit and blessings for ourselves and for the Church.

Valentine’s Couple Blessing

“God of eternity, let our relationship be in Your time, not in our own. Bind us ever more tightly together in Your wisdom and love. Help us to listen and look for You in ourselves, that our relationship may reflect the beauty of Your love for us. May Your hand guide us, this Valentine’s Day and always. Amen.”

Grace before Valentine’s Dinner

“God, we love you. We love this food, and we love the world You have created for us. Happy Valentine’s Day to Love Himself! Amen.”