So soon…It’s Lent Again!

Steve O. Alabi

Having Ash Wednesday begin so soon again in February makes it difficult for me to understand. I usually accept the fact that I must just roll with it. Ready or not, Lent is here and I will accept that and keep on doing the best I can!

My wife and I just returned recently from a two-month trip and a lot of spiritual exercise and fasting. We relaxed a bit and guess what? Ash Wednesday fell on Valentine's Day!

We got our foreheads marked with the ashes, a reminder of turning back to the Gospel and remembering that we are from dust and will end up as dust. Another round of fasting begins.

This season will not be different; however, we can make it different by praying a little more, reading our Bibles a little more and choosing penances according to the personal areas that need working on.

Just as the liturgy gives the first four days of Lent as a time to contemplate and get adjusted to the new season, I devote the time to getting used to the new list of penance, alms-giving and prayer. Let’s be ready to rend our hearts and not our garments, and get into the swing of the next six weeks of fruitful journey with Christ while eagerly anticipating to hear the small, gentle, quiet voice of God.

Welcome to the special season of Lent. I pray that you will have a blessed season of Lent.