As we begin this Season of Lent with our annual Ash Wednesday observances so many of us attending Holy Mass or special liturgical services with the distribution of ashes - we are encouraged to come to a halt - stop in our tracks - consider where we are going in our personal lives. Simple but profound message - did we listen - has it made an impact on you - in other words - what has happened? Is this really only about - the chocolate - the cigarettes - the superficial things that you will give up?
So - you got some ash smudged on your forehead - do you think that really means anything? Does that make you any better than the person next to you who has no ash on their forehead - are you holier - kinder - more considerate of others - more charitable - more tolerant - more accepting - really - think about that. Does God love you more than the other one - because of those ashes? Maybe it is time to quit thinking only about yourself - start thinking about the person next to you - the person who has not bathed in a week - a month - the one who would love to eat the scraps off your table - be offered a ride - offered a hand up - perhaps receive a hug. In this Lenten period when we consider those without - do something about it - just perhaps the ashes in your heart will fall away - then you may be able to love everyone no matter what. In Lent all of us need to fast - pray - consider not just ourselves - others and their needs. Only then will the ash - the dust of our sins be cleansed.
Deacon Dale
