Ash Wednesday 2026

     Today marks the beginning of Lent, the major penitential season in the Church's calendar. In solidarity with the Israelites who spent 40 years wandering in the desert, and our Lord who spent 40 days being tried in the wilderness at the beginning of His public ministry, we spend [roughly] 40 days preparing to celebrate Easter by mortifying the senses. The three "pillars" of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. 
     Prayer can be difficult sometimes, even when we have much experience. You can find Magnificat Lenten Companion booklets by the doors of the church to help guide your prayer throughout the season, and join us on Fridays for the Stations of the Cross. Prayer is not unique to the Lenten season, of course we should pray always. But when accompanied by fasting and almsgiving, we might perhaps find out Lenten prayers to be more fruitful.
     "All Christ's faithful are obliged by divine law, each in his or her own way, to do penance. However, so that all may be joined together in a certain common practice of penance, days of penance are prescribed" by canon law (can. 1249). More robust guidance on the required days of fasting and abstinence can be found on page 3 of this bulletin. It is also a very common practice to give up some additional creature comfort during Lent, like hot showers or dessert. While this is laudable, it is not required. If you do decide, however, to do something like this, I might recommend giving up music or news or social media, as a way to reduce the noise in your life and cultivate silence.
     During the season of Lent we are especially encouraged to give alms. Almsgiving is material assistance to the poor, as distinct from tithing (which provides for the needs of the Church) and philanthropy (which supports other causes). Giving alms puts us in solidarity with the poor and reminds us of our own dependence on God, while at the same time giving us an occasion to imitate Him in His generosity. I'll highlight three good opportunities for almsgiving in my next bulletin reflection this Sunday.
     Finally, Lent is a privileged time in which to examine our conscience and do penance for our sins. One of the best things we can do to get closer to God is to make a good confession - especially if it has been a long time since our last one. Our loving God is so merciful, and He longs for us to return to His loving embrace in this sacrament.
     May the Lord bless us and draw us closer to Himself during this season and always.