As we begin this Lenten journey, we hear once again the call to conversion and to faith.   Recognition of our sins is the first step to conversion of heart and new life in grace.   God wants to heal us, to restore us, and to set us free from slavery to sin.  Through the age-old disciplines of Lent – prayer, fasting, and works of mercy – we have the means to respond to God’s call and be transformed.   Don’t be lazy this Lent; don’t be gloomy and downcast.  Enter these holy 40 days with a joyful heart eager to throw off those old, selfish, and sinful ways and grow in our love for God and neighbor and deepen our faith in Jesus Christ and his Church.  As we are sprinkled with ashes and reminded of our mortality, Lent calls us to fix our eyes on the only thing that matters:  gaining eternal life.

Prayer
Loving Father, open my heart in this holy season of Lent so that I can see my sins more clearly and seek your forgiveness, healing and grace.  Be my strength in weakness and hope in despair.  Help me in my resolve to engage in the Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting and works of mercy so that I can be led from sin to grace, and be renewed in faith, hope and charity.   I desire only to do your will.  Amen.”

Action 
Reach out to a person who is sad or struggling and offer to pray with them, asking for God’s healing and strength.