This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday which signifies the start of lent, that ancient period of prepartion for Easter; an opportunity to become closer to Christ through fasting, prayer and works of charity. Ash Wednesday itself is a day of fasting and abstinence from meat. The ashes we will receive on our foreheads at Mass on Ash Wednesday remind us how temporary this life is and not to put material possesions and worldly pursuits ahead of our pursuit of union with God, as He is where our eternal destiny lies.
Each of us must form our own lenten renewal resolutions but the three basic practices are all linked. Praying will strenthen us for fasting and deepen our charity. Fasting will soften our heart for charity and quieten ourself for prayer. Performing works of charity will give our fasting purpose and focus our prayer.
We also may wish to offer our lenten resolutions over the next 40 days for a certain person who may specially need to know the love of God. God is never outdone in generosity, what we offer to Him is returned one hundred fold.
I pray that you and I will make the most of this Lenten time to recommit ourselves to our vocations and to our God.
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