Ash Wednesday

This coming Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent. The schedule for ashes is given below. Lent is a 40 day preparation for the three days (Triduum) of Holy Week beginning on Holy Thursday. Traditionally it is a time to do something special or to “give up” something- as a way of thanking Jesus for his sacrifice of love on the cross. When I was a young boy this “giving up” was a serious choice. I remember that one year my sacrifice was to give up going to the movies during Lent. Since I lived to go to the movies (as you know I still do) this was very difficult for me. There were ten movie houses, showing two movies each, in my neighborhood in the Bronx. When I look back, I realized that this Lenten sacrifice had two good effects on me. Both were character building for life. First it taught me self discipline and gave me confidence in myself. I could do something difficult and actually accomplish it. Secondly my “sacrifice” was in imitation and thanksgiving for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Christ’s compassion for others made me realize that I should help others as he did.
Chose a Lenten practice that is good for you and good for others.