Ash Wed
February 14, 2024
Today we begin the season of Lent. For the next 40 days we will prepare for Easter with Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. This year Ash Wednesday falls on Valentines Day.
For me Valentine’s Day is about “conversation Hearts” The hard candies have saying about love and loving. Often, we associate the love we share with one special person, as we begin Lent these “conversation Heart” messages can be used to remind us to love our brothers and sisters as created in the image and likeness of God.
Let us look at some of the phrases found on these candies.
• Cutie: When we see others through the eyes of God we see their Beauty.
• Sexy: Sexy is not simply about the physical act of love. We can see the other as sexy when we choose to love them.
• Be Mine: This is what our God says to us each day. How well have you listened for God’s voice?
• Angel: Those who give with generosity are often called angels. How have you been an angel in the past? How can you be and angel in the future?
• Beautiful: How do we look at others? Do we see their innate beauty?
• XOXO: Hugs and Kisses, have you hugged or kissed anyone lately?
• Text Me: Have you been out of touch with someone you need to reach out to this Lent?
Valentine’s day and Lent are about improving our relationships. In this 40 day retreat the church suggests three practices to improve our relationship with our God and others, Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving.
There are many prayer opportunities in this season. Check the weekly parish bulletin for more details. The Rice Bowl is a good tool for fasting and almsgiving. The money you save from the fasting you perform maybe placed in the Rice Bowl to be used by Catholic Relief Services to feed the needy in our world.
This season begins and ends with a celebration of Love. Today we honor the saint of love and at Easter we celebrate athe love of a God who suffered, died and rose for us.
May the risen Christ be with you as you journey though Lent to Easter.