Fast - pray - give alms. This is just the beginning to the preparation process that we will begin on Ash Wednesday (March 9th). I am giving a short program on that day to our RCIA class on Lent so thought it would be good practice for me to get some of the basics down in my blog first.
Ash Wednesday (March 9, 2011) marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. Catholics all over the world will go to Mass that day and receive a cross made of ash on their foreheads. These ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebrations during the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and scented by exposure to incense. The ashes are a symbol of penance and help us to develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice. A great website to get the straight information on Lent is at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (http://www.usccb.org/lent/). NOTE: This is always a good place to start on finding out any informaton on the Catholic faith.
Basically, Lent observance includes prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. That is what we are called to do during this 40-day journey towards Easter and Christ's Resurrection. This is a time of reflection on the past year, how our lives have shown others how we live through Christ and are his light -- or not. This is the time of year for all to have a true conversion of the heart - a time for renewal ! Read Scriptures, pray without ceasing, fast, and give money, food, time, & talent to the world! God bless and have a wondrous Lent Season.
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