What are you doing for this Lenten Season?

Hi folks,

Yes, today is Valentine's Day, but more importantly, it's Ash Wednesday, the first day of this Lenten Season.  My husband did surprise me with flowers this afternoon and we both had a Valentine's cards for one another, but what's more important to me is that it's Ash Wednesday.

I am walking the "Footsteps to Mercy" which started today, and ends on Divine Mercy Sunday, which is always the Sunday following Easter.  Each and every day, we either walk  with Christ, or we walk without Him.  As for me, I desire to walk with Him every day.  Some days it's harder, but we must persist in keeping on the path with Christ.

Here is the reading for today, Ash Wednesday:  "We can sometimes loose our sense of urgency to repent and turn once again to the Lord.  "Even now, says the Lord, return to me with you whole heart..."Blow the trumpet in Zion.  Proclaim a fast."

"Ask the Holy Spirit to breathe His spirit into your hearts this Lent;  ask for the gift of the fear of the Lord, that you not become tepid."  May Saint Faustina intercede for you. so that you might turn to the Lord, this Lenten Season, with your whole heart."

If you've never watched the Mass, which is broadcast from Stockbridge, MA, which takes place on Divine Mercy Sunday, the Sunday following Easter, you should tune in to EWTN Television Network around noon time that day.  The celebration is held outside at the outdoor pavilion, no matter what the weather. 

The first year my husband (who isn't Catholic), and I watched it, we were both so moved.  It was quite cold out that day and everyone was already gathered there at noontime.  The service didn't even start until 1:00 PM. and didn't end until about 2:50.  Each year as we watched this broadcast, the weather seemed to get worse,  one year it rained and the following year it snowed.  But, the pilgrims, as they refer to them, still came, bringing children and babies with them.  It truly amazed both of us.  We watch it every year and it always moves us both  If you want any more information you can go to:  www.TheDivineMercy.org

Please pray for all the families whose children were shot and either killed or wounded this afternoon in Florida, while attending high school.  The suspect was 18 years old and a former student at this school.  I sincerely can't even imagine what would make someone do something like this?   What is this world coming to?  We all need to pray for peace in our world.

Susan