Ash Wednesday

Tomorrow, March 5 will be Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Season of Lent. Let us prepare ourselves for the Observance of Lent. It is another opportunity to grow spiritually through reflection, prayer and Bible reading. Let us prepare ourselves for the Imposition of Ashes or “badlis” in the dialect.

When we receive the Ashes on our foreheads, let us pay attention to the words of the priest: “Turn away from your sins and believe in the Gospel.” These words can actually set the tone of our Lenten observance for a change of heart and a renewal of our faith in Jesus. If we are to believe in the Gospel, then we have a lot of reading and rereading to do.

Actually the words of the Gospel are plain and simple. We’re the only ones who try to complicate Jesus’ words. For example, when we read the words: “Come to me, all those who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Going to Church is rest. Is it not? So when we go to Church, we rest from our labors and all our burdens. Yet, we do not go, so we have no rest. But this Wednesday, shall we go to Church? Promise, promise, promise?

It's a day of fasting for all Catholics 18-59 years of age and abstinence for all Catholics 14-60 years of age who are fit and healthy. Fasting means you can eat one full meal and only a portion of the two other meals. Take note the smaller meals put together should not exceed the amount of your one full meal. Can you go without snacking? Awww! It may be a little sacrifice but it can go a long way for those of us who would like to conquer all disordered appetites. How about refraining from eating meat? Ah, that is abstinence. Sounds like abs? Yes, do you want to tuck in all those extra flabby abs for a leaner fit and right body. Ha ha ha! Lent might just be the season for that. Abstinence can help us develop more spiritual muscles and strength of character.