Ash Wednesday

In the Gospel today, Jesus poses an unusual challenge as we begin the season of Lent. We are called to consider why we pray, fast, and give our time and money to those in need. Addressing this demands a radical degree of honesty with…

The most pressing duty of Christians is to live the liturgical life, and increase and cherish its supernatural spirit. — Pope Pius XII

A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit. (Psalm 51:12) Ash Wednesday, in all its solemnity and reverence, is one of my favorite religious days. I love the humble act of repentance, the cross formed by ashes…

Ash Wednesday Readings: Joel 2:12-18 Psalms 51:3-4, 5-6AB, 12-13, 14, 17 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

The readings for Ash Wednesday all share the same message: change (“return to me with your whole heart,” Joel 2:12); change now (“Behold, now is a very acceptable time,” 2 Corinthians 6:2); and change from the inside out (“pray to your…

Ash Wednesday In silence are the greatest acts of penance made, Lord. We do not need proclaim ourselves to others, but only to you and your clergy acting in the name of your Son. Guide us to good confessions, Lord, that we may atone for…

Ash Wednesday Self-love is cunning, it pushes and insinuates itself into everything, while making us believe it is not there at all. — St. Francis de Sales

In these days, therefore, let us add something beyond the wonted measure of our service . … Let each one, over and above the measure prescribed for him, offer God something of his own freewill in the joy of the Holy Spirit. — St. Benedict

A bishop in Alabama has advised Catholics on how to mark Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day which fall on the same day this year. Ash Wednesday requires fasting in many Christian traditions. Valentine's Day is a time for celebrating love,…