Tag: #ashwednesday #lentbegins #preparationforEaster

THE SEASON of LENT

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March 5, 2025

Today begins one of the holiest seasons for Christians…..LENT. It begins with “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return”. (Genesis 3:19)

One idea is that this is our reminder that life is short; one day our earthly life will end and we will be called before OUR LORD for judgement as to how we have lived our lives. It’s a call to turn away from our failings and brokenness; a call to open our souls completely to OUR LORD and follow his ways; a call for renewed prayer and penances.

Last Sunday, our pastor at our parish, Father John Tap, talked about judgement day. I will paraphrase his comments:

‘OUR LORD will say to each of us, yes, of course I know you broke commandments X,Y, Z. But fold your arms in a big basket. Now tell me all the good you did for others that is in that basket. That is what I want you to give me and tell me about’. WOW!! Was my reaction and I have not stopped thinking about this all week. What is in my basket? How much time will I have to intentionally fill it with good for others?

Thank you Father John for this wonderful reminder about what’s really important. May we all do our best to fill our baskets with great good ……..doing so with purpose, joy and positively.

PJP

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

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Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of lent for many Christians around the world. It is a season of 40 days for penance, fasting and giving. It is a  time for reflection and searching one’s inner being for faith-based improvement and giving to others.

A few days prior to the beginning of Lent each year,  I find myself in search of to ‘give up and/or to give to’. In my more mature years, I have come to believe that both are very important. Not only do I need to ‘give up certain things, but I also need to give to’.  My give up  this year is about stopping my conversation around specific events in my life.  This conversation really serves no greater purpose in my life or anyone else’s. So, I’m giving up that ‘talk’.

As for ‘giving to’, I am determining what charitable contribution, even though it may be small, might best benefit others in my community. Perhaps, it will be to a shelter in the area or another entity that serves those in need.

As a young person many years ago, it was deemed that ‘giving up’ was best practice  for Lent.   Growth in both my faith and in my life have helped me to understand that ‘giving to’ can be equally as important and looked upon favorably.

Blessings to each of you during this Lenten season.

PJP