Ash Wednesday
Your 2023 Lenten journey begins today, with these words from the prophet Joel, “Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart.”
Certainly, Lent is a sacred time that involves turning away from sin and turning back to our Lord, but the ashes you receive today symbolize still another opportunity – to recognize that you are from dust and to dust you will eventually return.
Your friends at Catholic Cemeteries invite you to make this Lent even more impactful by considering the following: As you prepare your heart for Easter in the coming weeks – reflecting on our Lord’s passion, death and resurrection – how will you also better prepare your soul to meet Christ at the end of your life?
It takes courage to ask God to reveal those things deep within our hearts (of which we may not even be conscious) that separate us from Him, but He is faithful. We can count on God to meet us right where we are and to bestow the necessary grace to overcome any challenge.
“Rend your hearts, not your garments.” We have heard that Lent is the time to pray, give alms and to fast, but today’s Gospel encourages us to go deeper – by telling us exactly how we should pray, how we should give alms and how we should fast. Let our actions reflect the blessed hope to which we are called!
At Catholic Cemeteries our mission is to be a testament to that hope. You can count on us to be praying with you and for you throughout this sacred season – as together we await the blessed hope!
