As Ash Wednesday approaches I always get a bit excited. I do love Ash Wednesday … it’s crazy. The crowds are big, the phone never stops ringing, and the folks coming in late look bewildered. It’s something about Ash Wednesday that gets our blood going. The idea of receiving an ash cross on our forwards and hearing words that reminds us of our mortality and need for conversion hits deep within our souls; and I love it!

The first reading from the Liturgy of Ash Wednesday, from Joel fits the day perfectly:

Blow the trumpet in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call an assembly;

Gather the people, notify the congregation; Assemble the elders, gather the children and the infants at the breast;

Let the bridegroom quit his room and the bride her chamber.

Between the porch and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep,

And say, “Spare, O LORD, your people, and make not your heritage a reproach, with the nations ruling over them!

Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”

If all the people are coming … it’s not going to be a contemplative moment; it’s going to be loud and confusing … with people coming from all over; coming at all times. It’s going to be crazy! So why do we let the crazy get us upset?

They have heard the trumpet … they have been notified … they have gathered at the altar … now is our opportunity to proclaim … ”God Loves You!” “He has sent His Son, the Christ to save you!” Jesus proclaims “the Kingdom of God is at hand!”

Do not delay, set in place what will make this Wednesday special. Do not let this Ash Wednesday get away … and look to Lent as a time to spend with God, His Church, and each other as we journey to Easter…A good Ash Wednesday and a blessed Lent to you all….

God bless