Ash Wed

First day of the Lenten season.

A season of Prayer, Fasting and Charity.

As we refocus, turn our attention back to Christ.
We get distracted by the world and our selfishness. Our Lenten practices help us to refocus.

Prayer, opens our hearts and minds to Christ.
The ACTS from of prayer is a favorite of mine.
Adoration - praising God
Contrition - asking for forgiveness for our sins and mistakes
Thanksgiving - giving thanks for God's grace and all our blessings
Supplication - asking God to watch over us, our friends, family, country etc....

Fasting, abstinence, sacrifice....
Denying our selfish desires, most often food, but could be other sacrifices.
As we sacrifice we remember the sacrifice of Christ. We are also reminded that our bodies are temples, we have a responsibility to care for that temple. Finally, we need to remember those who go without basic needs.
There are many who go without food, water, basic shelter and safety. There are also many who are spiritually hungry. Who have lost their faith and hope.

Charity, almsgiving
As we are praying and sacrificing we are also called to acts of charity. Real acts of love. Some take the money saved from their sacrifices and donate it to a charitable org. Others give of their time to help those in need. Others practice random acts of kindness. Lent can also be a good time to work on forgiveness. Letting go of anger and hatred. Opening our hearts to love those around us. This is what Christ calls us to do, "To love as I have loved you".

As we turn our attention to Christ, as we walk with him on this spiritual journey, through the 40 days in the dessert, into His Passion and onto the Cross, finally ending with a risen Lord who We will recognize in the breaking of the bread, we will hopefully end up closer to Christ. We will know and feel His Love, His Peace and His Forgiveness.

May God Bless us all on our spiritual journeys, wherever we are and wherever He leads us.