Inform, Inspire, Ignite

"Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return."


Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption. Ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.
(http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/ashwed.php)

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Jesus' journey in the desert. He knew what was to come; the cross for the salvation for others. His heart desired to save us all, however, Jesus is "God-man" and in human form suffered just as we all do. Along His journey is when he relied on God more than ever. It was His time in prayer and meditation, restoration, and submission to God's will.

"Return, Renew, Restore, Rejoice!"

That is the message I received in mass yesterday. I love the way the priest connected to his audience... he mentioned a song from the 70's called "Signs." Part of one of the verses in the song goes like this: signs, signs, everywhere signs, they cloud up my mind..." He asked everyone what signs do we give our attention to in our  environment. What do we choose to follow or commit our lives to? Do we choose what is pleasing to us? Or, do we choose to do what we know is just?
 He also spoke of sacrifice. Many people throughout history have given up some sort of food group in hopes of loosing fat. Well, he mentioned that the fat that needs to be shed is the fat of injustice and sin that covers our soul. The weight we need to shed is our sinful nature, and be prayerful about God's will for us. For me this Lent season, my focus is what I am offering to the Lord.   Whenever we offer up or sacrifice, the replacement is Christ. Through that time and replacement, we will grow.

The mass dedicated to Ash Wednesday has one of the highest population count out of the whole year. Why? I believe, and know that when God created us, within us was planted the innate desire for the good.  So, for the majority we as humans want to be good and just. Yet, it is our natural sinful nature that we struggle with and sometimes allows to win and take over. Mass attendance alone, shows the increase and evidence of one's heart desiring positive change. 

So, please take this time to revisit and reflect on our chosen path in life. This is a time to Believe and accept that we need God in our every day lives. This is a time to desire change within our mind's, heart's, and soul's, and surrender.

This journey is free for anyone. The Joy of the Lord is our strength. The life journey is a process. The Lord is our light, in all darkness. God is always present and longs for that connection/relationship with us.

Out of these ashes, beauty will rise! Spring is on it's way.