Ash Wednesday
As I was preparing this reflection, I couldn’t help but think about all the chocolates and candlelit dinners that may be put on hold as we honor our custom of fasting on Ash Wednesday, St. Valentine’s Day this year. Did you know these two days land on the same calendar day only three times this century, in 2018, 2024, and 2029?
How fitting that Ash Wednesday, the first of 40 days of Lenten almsgiving, prayer, and penance, falls on the single day that we show our love for others. We are called to live these three disciplines to grow our love for the Lord, for one another, and especially for those most in need. Our founder, Saint Peter Julian Eymard, lived his life as if every day was Lent, as he displayed in his works and writings, teaching us how to increase our love for the Eucharist, evangelize to others, and serve the forgotten.
On this first day of Lent, take some time to create a solid plan for how you will personally live these forty days.
- Almsgiving: Possibly share with a local food pantry what you would spend on a day of food for your family while you fast that single day each week.
- Prayer: Set your alarm 10-15 minutes earlier for quiet prayer time, attend daily Mass a few times each week, or an evening walk to spend time with God.
- Penance: Rather than giving up something, why not quietly do a random act of kindness each day for an unexpecting person?
When we begin the Triduum on Holy Thursday, give thanks for the positive changes your faith-life has experienced and the difference you made in others’ lives. Lent provides us the opportunity for forty days of spiritual self-improvement.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to live a hidden life of grace as I attempt to experience a holy Lenten season. Help me to serve others and spend time in daily prayer and penance throughout these forty days to strengthen my relationship with you. Amen.
