Today's Lenten Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Dear John,

Once again, it is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season. Today we begin a journey that will prepare our hearts for Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary and His Resurrection from the dead. Often, in our spiritual lives we grow lazy. For this reason, the Church has given us this solemn season, a time that reenergizes us with spiritual fervor.

Each week through Lent, I will share with you a devotional, along with Sunday’s Mass readings, to help you prepare for a glorious celebration of Easter.

First reading: Joel 2:12-18

Psalm: 51:3-6, 12-14, 17

Second reading: 2 Cor 5:20 – 6:2

Gospel: St. Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

The readings for Ash Wednesday remind us of God’s longing for us and the undeserved mercy that He gives to all who ask. Every one of us sins, but God waits for us to return to Him. There are only two paths in this life: one leading to destruction and the other to life. When we confess our sins and turn our hearts to God, we choose the path of life.

Today’s readings also remind us to fast in a way that honors God, not ourselves. Instead of complaining about our hunger, we can happily offer this small sacrifice to the Lord. Instead of allowing our passions to lead us, the act of fasting helps us control our passions, as well as redirect our gaze to the Lord. As we spend this time in self-denial, we grow in our love of the Lord and in our understanding of the Gospel.

For more information on how you can grow in your faith during the Lenten season, or even specifically understanding the significance of Ash Wednesday, we encourage you to visit the EWTN Lent page here: ewtn.com/lent

Prayerfully,

Father Joseph

EWTN

5817 Old Leeds Rd

Irondale AL 35210