The season of Lent has arrived a bit early this year, but here we are. Ash Wednesday, the official first day of this penitential season, reminds us that, in the end, “you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.” Hearing that timeless line is always a jolt to my system, and I guess that’s what this whole liturgical season is about. Life is short, and how we live it has consequences. The good news is we don’t have to stay stuck in the ashes. No, we can move forward, trusting in God’s mercy, changing our bad habits into good ones. We can move from death to life, worry to hope, sadness to joy.
If you need some help with this journey, there’s plenty of resources available. Check out what’s being offered at your own church, and if you need more, try Loyola Press’ website. Although they have resources to purchase, you’ll find plenty for free.
I hope to make this Lent a good one. I’m going to try my best to stick to the Lenten practices I’ve chosen for the next 40 days. Never really easy, but doable.
“We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.”
