Ash Wednesday
The Lenten season always begins with Ash Wednesday which leaves the faithful marked by a symbolic cross of ash on their forehead. This symbol serves as a recognition that we, as Catholics, are entering into a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Lent prepares us for the Easter season which follows by placing us in a similar plight to Jesus’ suffering in the desert and even further, on the cross.
Most Catholics will never have the opportunity to experience the sacrifice that Jesus makes for our sins at the crucifixion, but all who believe and truly practice the faith are given the opportunity to receive His eternal blessing. We are called to bring ourselves to His suffering through three main principles established in today’s Gospel reading: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Almsgiving can more simply be stated as giving to the poor or sacrificing one’s own resources to help those in need. Fasting is the sacrifice of food as we abstain from having meat on Fridays and from eating normal size meals, particularly today and on Good Friday. Prayer though, is the toughest principle of Lent. We are called to sacrifice both our time and energy to bring ourselves humbly before God personified in our suffering Savior, acknowledging that no sacrifice we make can compare to that which Jesus made on the cross for our sins. This comes with much struggle and a deep need of reflection as we try to use this Lenten season for growth.
Growing in our faith is the overarching theme of Lent and realistically, our entire lives. May we, during this Lenten season take this opportunity to grow in our faith through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving taking advantage of every opportunity that we have to liken our Lenten experience to Christ’s.
Prayer
Lord, as we begin this Lenten journey through our own personal deserts, may we acknowledge your deep sacrifice and grow infinitely closer to you through our own. Amen.
Nick Wracker, ’26
