Ash Wednesday

So for those of you that are Christian/Catholic know that yesterday was Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Stan & I went to our church for the mass and wow what a homily. Now I am not going to preach about my faith and about how you should go to church and now is the time to start. But I just have to put in to words what I was feeling last night and how I am going to try to approach this Lent.

Lent is supposed to be the time of prayer and penance as we prepare for Easter. Growing up I was always asked to give up something during Lent and that way I would understand what Jesus went through for us. But I really never understood the meaning. I then came out of church last night with a whole new appreciation for Lent. Fr Ed was so passionate about his homily it almost made me cry. He spoke those words we hear ever year "for dust you are and dust you will return." It does not matter what treasures you have now for you will return to dust. But it is that faith you have that will lead you to a better life. So instead of giving up something this Lent, I am going to strive to not only be a better person, but a better Catholic. Help those that need it, pray more and strengthen my relationship with God and others.

"A great Lent can really make you miserable. You give up things you enjoy. You do without excesses. You practice charity to people you'd rather ignore. You cut back on sweets or caffeine, nicotine or alcohol, or meat, or dairy. You break your routine and the results are usually the same. Within 48 hours after Lent begins, you get grumpy. But a good Lent can really make you happy. You find out what your cravings are. You strongly put them aside because your craving for God is deeper. God responds to your search and rewards you with a closer union. You end the season more confortable at prayer, more giving to others, less attached to material things."