Lent is upon us

Monday, February 19, 2007

Wednesday begins the Lenten season. It is a time for reflection on our mortality, consideration of our sinfulness and our need for God's mercy. The Lenten season begins with ashes on our forehead to remind us that we are mortal. The ashes are marked in a cross on our foreheads with the words: remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. Lent continues until Holy Thursday at which time the Triduum begins. Lent ends on Holy Thursday at the Last Supper for a reason. Our sinfulness and our mortality are conquered by Christ and replaced by grace and eternal life in the institution of the Eucharist. Our sin and mortality are nailed to the Cross on Good Friday and we wait for the Resurrection on Holy Saturday. In Lent and the days leading up to Easter we experience the whole of salvation history.

Last year I used each Friday during Lent to reflect on the promises I would be making at my diaconate ordination. I plan to do this again with the promises I will make at my priesthood ordination. Like last year, these will be a deeper understanding of what the Church is asking of me and how I view these promises. Hopefully it will give you some insight into the ordination of a priest and it certainly helps me to prepare spiritually for May 26th.

I wish everyone a blessed and fruitful Ash Wednesday and I hope that this Lenten season is one of grace in spirit and growth in God's love. Until next time...God bless.