Into the Desert

The beginning of Lent in 2023

All go to one place; all are from the dust, and all turn to dust again.

Ecclesiastes 3:20

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Matthew 4:1

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent in the Catholic Church, a time of reflection, prayer, and sacrifice. It is a time when we are called to focus on our relationship with God and our commitment to living a life of faith. Here are a few thoughts on why Ash Wednesday and Lent are such essential and encouraging moments in the Catholic faith.

Ash Wednesday reminds us of our mortality

The ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday are a powerful symbol of our mortality. They remind us that we are finite creatures, that our time on earth is limited, and that we will one day return to God. This might sound like a depressing thought, but it can actually be incredibly liberating. When we remember that our time on earth is short, we are inspired to make the most of every moment, to focus on what truly matters, and to live with a sense of urgency and purpose.

Lent is a time of spiritual renewal

Lent is a season of spiritual renewal, a time when we are called to deepen our relationship with God and grow in our faith. This can be a challenging process, but it is also enriching. When we make a conscious effort to draw closer to God, we open ourselves up to new insights, new graces, and new experiences of his love and presence in our lives.

Lent is a time of sacrifice

One of the critical aspects of Lent is the call to sacrifice. This can take many forms: giving up a favorite food or activity, committing to a daily practice of prayer or meditation, volunteering at a local charity, or making a conscious effort to be more patient, kind, or compassionate with those around us. These sacrifices are not meant to be punitive but rather to help us refocus our attention on what really matters and to deepen our commitment to living a life of faith.

Lent is a time of community

Finally, Lent is a time of community. We are not called to walk this journey alone but rather to support and encourage one another along the way. Whether attending Mass together, participating in a Lenten retreat or study group, or simply checking in with a friend or family member to see how they're doing, we are all part of the community of faith. We are all called to support and uplift one another.

In conclusion, Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent are a time of reflection, prayer, and sacrifice, but they are also a time of hope and encouragement. They remind us of our mortality but also of the infinite love and mercy of God. They call us to deepen our relationship with God, to make sacrifices for the sake of our faith, and to support and encourage one another along the way. May this Lenten season be a time of spiritual growth and renewal for us all.