The purpose of ashes on Ash Wednesday...

     This has been reprinted from last year's Ash Wednesday post. May you all have a spirit-filled and rewarding Lent.
     The purpose for getting ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday...
     "The Church extends to all Catholics an invitation to receive ashes. The rite of administering ashes has been created by the Church as a sacramental to make us conscious both of the reality of death and of the necessity for penance and contrition. The effect of this rite depends upon the prayerful purpose of the recipient."
~ From the Sacred Heart bulletin.

The Race...

     My friend Joanne sent me this, from Father Z's blog. Isn't it funny that someone will send you a pick-me-up just when you need it most.
     Thanks Joanne.

The purpose of ashes on Ash Wednesday...

"The Church extends to all Catholics an invitation to receive ashes. The rite of administering ashes has been created by the Church as a sacramental to make us conscious both of the reality of death and of the necessity for penance and contrition. The effect of this rite depends upon the prayerful purpose of the recipient." ~ From the Sacred Heart bulletin.

Lent begins today...

     I was back at the window today, saying my prayers, and watching for the morning to come alive once again... yet I did not see one single bird. Not one.
     I think this means I am supposed to turn my eyes to the inside of my home, and pause to consider my plans for this new liturgical season of Lent.
     What I need to do cannot be found out in my side yard.
     Forty days. A period of sacrifice and hardship before the gift of new life.
     So... Here goes. This is what I plan to do...
     Housework first, before computer. Fill forty bags in forty days. Make room in the inn.
     Life moves quickly... examining my conscience at the end of the day is not enough for me. I must be prepared ahead, and be aware of my pitfalls. For nothing lands me in the confessional like my sins of omission. The things I should have done that I did not. Fridge stocked. Meals prepared. Rooms picked up. Laundry done. Blah. Blah. Blah.
     I would simply rather read or write. Or sit still and think. But these other things are my responsibility, too.
     And so for today, I will strengthen my will by doing what I'd rather not, to help me with tomorrow. And for forty days, I will use my hands to bless my family, and my sacrifices to make lots of room for God in my home.
     May God bless you abundantly this Lenten season.

For the link to Holy Heroes Lenten Adventure, click here.