On the Path to Easter

Ash Wednesday is a special day for many Catholics. When we go to church and receive ashes, it's like opening a door to a time of change and growth. Ashes, made from last year's palm leaves, remind us that we are on a journey toward becoming better people.

Why Ashes?

Ashes are a sign that we're willing to clean out the old and make room for something new. They are a way of showing that we are not afraid to say, "Yes, I'm not perfect”. The readings for Ash Wednesday include Psalm 51, a song asking God for a fresh start. The response of “Be merciful Lord, for we have sinned” remind us that even though we make mistakes, we can always try again. It is about saying sorry and really meaning it. Announcing this response together is in a way like holding hands with the community around us. We want to try, with help from the Lord and each other, to be better people.

The Journey Begins

Ash Wednesday is more than just admitting our shortcomings, our mistakes, and our failures. It is about wanting to be better, to do better and to start new. We begin the Lenten journey by saying “no” to things that keep us from being the person God wants us to be. It is about saying “no” to the things that keep us from being our best selves and it is about saying “yes” to love. But what does love look like?

The Face of Love

Love is a face that radiates the peace and love of Jesus. Love is a heart filled with gratitude and joy at the beginning of each new day. It is about forgiving and being forgiven. Let us journey together on the path toward the Resurrection of the Lord with a heart filled with hope and a smile on our face. Every step we take is a step closer to the Kingdom of God.