"Remember, man, you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
Lent is the time of "spring training", returning to the Lord with a renewal of body and mind and spirit over the next 40 days (or so) in anticipation of Easter. Ashes remind us not only of our own mortality, but of our vulnerability to sin and our need of a savior.
Go to Mass today! It's not a holy day of obligation, but it is an opportunity to start off Lent on the right foot. Receiving the imposition of ashes are a nice ritual to observe (which sometimes takes place outside of Mass, as it will all day long here), but don't pass up the opportunity to receive the Eucharist if you can help it. Except for the young and the old and the infirm, this is a day of fasting and abstinence, meaning that the worldwide Church is observing a day of penance in witness to the sorrow we have for our sins and those of the whole world. One meatless meal is permitted, along with one or two small collations to maintain strength.
Fasting, prayer, and alms giving are privileged practices for this season, which are featured in the Gospel from today's Mass. But remember, the focus is on internal conversion, not simply external action.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Keep it clean. I reserve the right to use or delete any comments in any way I see fit. This ain't a democracy. Get your own blog if you don't like it.