The Church in her infinite wisdom provides an excellent opportunity for the faithful to grow spiritually and transform their hearts and souls during the penitential season of Lent. With God’s saving grace and our own faithful efforts in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we can use this time of year wisely to grow deeper in holiness and please God. My hero, Saint John Paul II stated, “The Lenten season invites us to re-live with Jesus the 40 days that he spent praying and fasting in the wilderness before beginning his public mission, which culminated on Calvary in the sacrifice of the Cross, the definitive victory over death.”
I love how Saint John Paul II expressed and described the meaning of Ash Wednesday and the traditional right of distributing the ashes. He said, “‘Remember, you are dust and to dust you will return.’ The traditional rite of distributing ashes, which is repeated today, is always very eloquent, and the words accompanying it are expressive. In its simplicity, it suggests the transitory nature of earthly life: everything passes and is destined to die. We are wayfarers in this world, wayfarers who must never forget their true and final destination: heaven. For, though we are dust and destined to become dust, nevertheless not all will come to an end. Man, created in the image and likeness of God, is destined for eternal life. In dying on the Cross, Jesus opened the way for every human being.
The entire Ash Wednesday liturgy helps us to focus on this fundamental truth of faith and spurs us to undertake a resolute journey of personal renewal. We must change our way of thinking and acting, set our gaze firmly on the face of Christ crucified and make his Gospel our daily rule of life. ‘Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel’: let this be our Lenten program, as we enter an atmosphere of prayerful listening to the spirit” (February 28, 2001).
A Pivotal Day
Today is a very special day. It’s actually a critical day in our Lenten journey. How will we tread through these 40 days? We need to have a plan. If you don’t yet have a plan for your Lenten journey, it’s not too late. Take some time to ponder and pray what you can do each day to grow closer to our Lord–to be transformed, to be converted. Remember, the three pillars of Lent – – fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. While these three important things should be part of our daily spiritual lives, we focus on them more intensely during Lent. Remember that you can offer up to God everything in your daily life in reparation and for the conversion of sinners. All of the challenges and struggles, sickness, and more can be wonderful opportunities for grace. We are to take on extra penances during this holy time as well, depending of course, on our age, condition, and state of life.
Let’s not waste the countless opportunities that will unfold before us each day. There will be many annoyances, complications, contradictions, and challenges–big and small that will creep in. They can be used for the good when offered lovingly to God. Don’t allow “you –know – who” (as I call the evil one) get the best of you and convince you to get discouraged or to act out because of the troubles. Many graces are merited when remaining calm and praying through the contradictions. Your Christian example can also be an amazing light to others.
Yes, we must have a plan. However, we must be ready to give up that plan and to surrender fully to whatever it is that our dear Divine Physician has prepared for us this Lenten season. It will surely be a perfect Lent when we surrender our hearts and ask our dear Lord for His plan, His love and grace. Mama Mary is close by and ready to help. Never hesitate to call upon her.
I will lie back down now. I’m sick with the flu. I am praying for you. Please pray for me too.
May God bless you and keep you and shine His face upon you,
Donna-Marie
PS I asked my husband as he left for Mass this evening to ask for extra thick ashes on his forehead! ☺ I was just kidding, but when he gets home, I plan to ‘borrow” some of his and put them on my own forehead. As well, hopefully he will come home with Holy Communion for me. I cannot wait.
