Wednesday of this week is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent, a period of 40 days ending on the day before Easter.
It is a season that always seems needed by me, as it invites us to a specific time of repentance and confession for all that needs emptying in our lives.
Many people joke about Lent, that they are going to give up candy or give up their favorite TV show or something equally shallow. I invite you to take it seriously, to mark each day as an opportunity for honest self examination and joyful invitation to God to fill the empty spaces of your soul.
Often when receiving the ashes on your forehead, the officiant will say, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” It is a reminder of our human mortality and we are challenged to focus on prayer, fasting, and spiritual reflection.
I for one wish that the ashes marked on my forehead would last all 40 days so that I am daily reminded not only of the fragility of my faith but of the level of love the cross represents.
So may Holy Lent be for you a gift and a season to bring all that you are and all that you are not to the redeeming love and transformation of Christ’s love.
Brave Journey, Bill
