Turn away from Sin ...

I got back a little while ago from our Grade School liturgy, for Ash Wednesday. We had lots of parents and visitors there today. I always am conflicted in marking little children and infants with ashes. The ideas of conversion, transformation, Sin, and Evil seem a bit out of context for them. Of course for junior high kids you should dip them in eggs and buttermilk, and then roll them in the ashes. The season of Lent can be a powerful time of reflection, and then conversion and discipleship. Its really not about dealing with weight or smoking Per Se, but seeking and following Jesus Christ.

I remember once as a child talking about giving something up for Lent. My Mom suggested that we siblings try to be nice to each other for Lent. We all thought that was an absurd idea. But in reality changing our response to others, treating others with compassion and kindness, is not that far fetched of an idea. Our Liturgy talks about the salvation we have because of the paschal mystery. This is a good season for us to live like we have been saved.

We find that both in the Hebrew Scripture and New Testament, peoples were called to do penance and to atone for Sin. Our entire faith journey is one having to do with transformation. An adult faith demands an adult response. For Religious, and as a pious practice it is good to look at how well we lived out the day. Let sacred scripture be our guide in directing and strengthening our thoughts, words, and actions.

I really like this season. We have soup and stations on Fridays. I like the sacrament of Reconciliation. It is a neat time to pray and reminisce about the things of God.