Today we celebrated Ash Wednesday at Presentation High School. Â To non-Catholics, this must be the weirdest cult practice that one has ever experienced! Â Being doused with ashes in the shape of a cross and being told to turn from sin and live the gospel. Â The scriptures proclaimed at Mass today told us that we are forgiven and loved and invited to be our best selves! Â These students certainly look happy, don’t they?
I’m so proud of my Catholic faith. Â It has really emerged as a positive force in this troubled world. Â Our Pope has taken great pains in living a simple life and rejecting the pomp and circumstances of Vatican City. Â We are encouraged, during the season of Lent- the forty days and nights before Easter- to do something positive in our lives rather than give something up.
Be kind. Â Serve the poor. Â Love your neighbor.
When I was in high school I practiced all the Catholic rituals without understanding them. Â These students are doing the same. Â They have no idea how this gospel message will come to nest in their souls and take fruit in their lives. Â God bless them! Â They are beautiful young women with the whole world at their feet.
I pray that they go forth and make a difference. Â That they love tenderly and serve with open hearts. Â That they become women of God with lives that impact others in a positive way.
I feel so blessed to be able to witness their transformation to womanhood and support them as they look forward to all of life’s blessings.
Amen