February 17, Ash Wednesday

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.-- Psalm 51:(see 3)

Mass readings: Joel 2:12-18 / 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 / Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

Time to Review

When I was a child, the word ''Lent'' meant ''ashes.'' Now it's become a time for me to seek deeper meanings about myself and my relationships. It's a period for contemplation and reflection, focusing on family, friends, and spirituality. These weeks of Lent give the opportunity to come to a better understanding of what it means for me to be a Catholic and how my faith influences my lifestyle, or how it should influence it.

In today's readings we're admonished not to be braggarts and hypocrites but we live in a society that measures and compares an individuals' level of ''success.'' A word society defines as money, power, and fame. If I'm to imitate Christ and the saints, I need to remember that isn't their definition.

Prayer: May this season of Lent bring me closer to You and others, Lord.