Today we embark together on a journey through Lent.  It is a time for self-discovery as we remember how Jesus went into the desert for forty days and was tempted by the devil.  During our Lenten experience, we pray more, eat less, and give to the poor to prepare ourselves for what is at the heart of our Christian faith - Christ’s Resurrection at Easter!  But we must make ready our hearts and minds, like an athlete trains for a key game or race.  We need to strengthen our good habits as we remain God’s sons and daughters through the waters of Baptism. 

Each year, on Ash Wednesday, Catholics are marked with ashes in the sign of the cross as a reminder that we are entering into Lent.  This ashen sign reminds us of our humanness, and that sometimes we fail.  We need God’s help to succeed.