Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Ash Wednesday

Have you gotten your ashes yet? I haven't, I'm joining my dear husband for Mass this evening. What are your plans for Lent? Are you planning on giving something up, adding to your devotional practices, or just pretending that nothing's going on?

I'd like to say that I'm going to go to Mass daily, but my schedule won't let that happen. What I am doing is making a visit to the Adoration chapel daily--not necessarily for an hour, but at least long enough to pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. I'm reading Fr. Dwight Longenecker's book "The Gargoyle Code" and also the diary of St. Faustina. And weekly confession, which wasn't on the list this afternoon after I listened to Fr. Bill Casey's CD "The Sacrament of Penance" (Lighthouse Media).

And joining in the other great prayer of the Church--the Liturgy of the Hours. I'll be praying Night Prayer every night (you can find it online at e-Breviary).

As for the 'giving up' part of Lent--several years ago my (then) spiritual director explained to me that eating properly (for me--which is pretty restrictive) was a discipline, a sacrifice, a penance. I've yet to master that, so I am redoubling my efforts in that direction.

So come along and join me as this very important season in the liturgical year starts...

As always, you are all in my prayers.