Dear Friends,

Lent is a season within the Church's Liturgical Calendar. Lent is a graceful period lasting 40 days, during which the Church invites all her members to pray, fast, be reconciled with God and with one another, and be grateful in anticipation of Christ's redemptive passion, death, and Resurrection. During Lent, we are challenged to share with others what we have received from God. This requires a proper attitude and faith commitment. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Thursday of Holy Week.

On Ash Wednesday, we hear two different formulas when ashes are placed on the head:

1. "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
2. “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”

This two-formula pattern is not used by mistake. It is intentional - It is teaching - It is deeply meaningful. The Church gives two formulas because Lent has two messages: One about life, and one about conversion

The first formula says: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This teaches humility. It teaches reality. It teaches truth. It reminds us that you are human.

• You are not God
• You are not permanent
• You will die one day
• Your body is dust
• Your life is fragile
• It breaks pride.
• It breaks arrogance
• It breaks self-importance.
• It says quietly: “Life is short. Prepare your soul.”

The second formula says: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” This teaches hope. It teaches mercy. It teaches direction. It reminds us that God is calling you back. Change your life - Turn away from sin - Trust the Good News - Believe in Jesus - Follow the Gospel. This is not fear. This is an invitation. This is love.

Meanwhile, one formula looks at death. The other looks at life...One says, “You will return to dust.” The other says, “You can return to God.” One teaches humility, the other teaches conversion. One reminds us who we are. And the other reminds us who God is. Therefore, as we enter deeply into the Holy Season of Lent, do not forget the Scripture.

All of the first readings for the Sundays of Lent recount episodes from Israel's history that show God's graciousness to the people, and the passages from the Epistles all highlight the role that Christ played in our Salvation. The Gospel readings reveal Jesus' glory even in the face of temptations and suffering, as well as the compassion and mercy of God. Be grateful, trust in God, and, if necessary, reform our lives. Only trust and humility move the heart of God. Let go of an attitude of Pride and come to God the way you are.

When we come to God thinking we deserve something, we close ourselves off. When we come to God knowing we need everything, we open ourselves. Humility is not weakness. It is a strength rooted in trust. God's mercy is not limited by race, culture, or background. No one is outside the reach of grace. Sometimes we limit God. We think:

“This person will never change.
“That family is too broken.”
“That situation is hopeless.”

The two Ash Wednesday formulas preach one message: Life is short, God is merciful, Sin is real, Grace is greater, Death is certain, Salvation is offered, Repentance is necessary, Hope is available.

The First Sunday of Lent readings show no interest in what we can do for God, but in what God has done for us. They call us, not primarily to repent of our sins, but rather to open our hearts to God in faith. So the Church gives two formulas on Ash Wednesday because Lent is not only about sorrow, it is about salvation. Not only about death, but about new life. Not only about ashes, but about grace. Not only about repentance, but about mercy.

Two formulas: one journey, one message, one call- Return to God. While there is still time! I am praying for you. I love you and wish you all the necessary graces for a holy Lenten Season. 

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