Tomorrow, February 18, 2015 we begin the season of Lent. Two Masses will be celebrated with the blessing and distribution of Ashes at 12 PM and 7:30 PM.
My friends, it is hard to enter into a penitential mode in our culture, where excess is everywhere. But Paul tells us that “now is a very acceptable time.” Many religious traditions stress the need for prayer, fasting and good deeds, and Lent is our opportunity to enter into those ancient practices — signs not of excess, but of simplicity. Now is our acceptable time to focus on what really matters in life without resentment, martyrdom or pride. Now is our time to be grateful, knowing that we can be reconciled to God and to one another.
Scripture Readings for Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:12-18 Return to the Lord with fasting, weeping and mourning.
Psalm 51 Be merciful, O God, for we have sinned.
2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 Now is the acceptable time.
Matthew 6:1-6,16-18 Give alms, pray and fast for God alone to see.