We begin the Journey

22 FEBRUARY 2012. ASH WEDNESDAY. Today begins the solemn journey of Lent that is necessary to our celebration, 40 days hence, of the greatest gift given to humanity, the resurrection from the dead of our Lord Jesus Christ--Easter. This period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving brings us to focus on the depths of our own failings, so that we can better understand--truly appreciate in our limited human capacity--the depth of the Father's love for us, in the gift of his Son for our redemption. The joy of Easter, then, needs to be preceded by this season of solemn preparation and spiritual introspection. We cannot understand the radiance of the light, without focusing for a while on the depth of the darkness.

To one and all, I will pray for a fruitful and holy Lent.