Create in me a Clean Heart O Lord!

Today is Ash Wednesday. Catholics all over the world will make an effort to go to Mass today to receive ashes as a reminder that we are dust...and to dust we shall return.

Lent is the season for turning...conversion of the heart. We step up our practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We rend our hearts and make a return to our Lord. God wants us to return to Him with our whole heart.

In today's 1st Reading, Joel, reminds us that God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and rich in kindness and relenting in punishment. What a comfort!

I read a short reflection by Rev. Robert F. Dueweke, OSA this morning. He said, "Hike into the furthest reaches of your heart. What has gone to ashes? Prayer? Discipleship? Enthusiasm? Joy? Hope? Trust?" What can you do during this time of Lent to allow God to breathe new fire into your heart to stir the ashes back into a blazing fire filled with energy to know, love and serve God on a deeper level?

In today's 2nd Reading, St. Paul tells us, "Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." God desires us. God loves us unconditionally. As Psalm 95:8 tells us, "If you today you hear God's voice, harden not your heart." God is patiently waiting for us...be reconciled to God! Blessings on your Lenten season.