We begin Lent today with Ash Wednesday!
Today we receive ashes on our forehead and are reminded that we are dust and to dust we shall return and or repent and return to the Lord! It is a day of fast and abstinence for those of us who are of the age to fast and abstain.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
“Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight.”
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
I love the reminder of God’s mercy and that I have sinned and that my goal is a clean heart that Our Lord creates for me!
Prayer, fasting and Alms giving are ways of recognizing our sinfulness and willingness spirit.
There are many family friendly meatless dishes out there for people who have there whole family abstain. Some examples are Macaroni and Cheese, meatless spaghetti, Veggie Lasagna, Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup, fish sticks and french fries. Of course there is always supporting the parish fish fry, which are always good!
Another idea I have seen families do is pancakes every Friday for supper.
Allow Lent to be a time of joyful “housecleaning” for the Resurrection of Our Lord!