Lent Begins In Less Than Two Weeks

My family went to the dock this evening to watch the sunset.  The sun finally arrived late this afternoon and bumped the temperature up to 70 degrees.  It was a great evening to just take in all that nature had to offer.

As I scanned the water looking for the dolphins, I began pondering the arrival of Lent.  There have been too many years in the past when I did not plan well for the season of Lent.  Subsequently, I would find myself half-way through the season and realize I had done very little to open myself to God's grace during this holy journey.  I try not to let this happen any more.  I do not want to miss all the opportunities that Lent provides to grow in holiness.

Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are central themes of Lent.  How will these things factor into our personal journey?

On Ash Wednesday we are reminded that we are dust and unto dust we shall return.  How does this annual ritual impact us?  Does it have a long-lasting effect or does it simply fade away as soon as we wash the ashes off of our foreheads?  When was the last time we seriously reflected upon the four last things--death, judgment, heaven, and hell?

The sunset of our life here on earth will eventually arrive for each of us.  Will we be found ready to meet the King of kings and Lord of lords?  St. Alphonsus Liguori reminded us that the time of death is not the time to start preparing.  The time of death is the time to find ourselves already prepared.  The season of Lent is a good reminder of that reality.

My dear friends, do not let this holy season pass you by without notice.  Make the time now to start preparing.  How will you pray?  How will you fast?  How will you serve others with your time, your talent, and your treasure?  How will you grow in virtue?