Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Ash Wednesday falls on St. Valentine’s Day this year, leaving some people in a quandary. What to do? Should a day of love trump a day of penance?
Let’s think about the nature of love. Love is not love unless it is ready to suffer with someone else or suffer for someone else. Parents know exactly what I mean.
Don’t we look to the cross as the very symbol of God’s love for us. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son. . .”
On this first day of Lent – which is juxtaposed with St. Valentine’s Day – we should use our additional fasting, our extra praying, and our increased giving as a way to say back to God: “We do love you.”
And as we draw closer to God through these minor acts of penance, we can use them as the springboard to draw closer to the people we love. For what greater gift can we give to our loved ones than a heart that has been expanded and purified by following Jesus more closely. To stay close to Jesus is the best gift one spouse can give to another. It is the best gift that parents can give to their children and children to their parents. It is better than a gift of a dozen roses or a box of chocolates.
Let us keep each other in prayer as we move through the journey of Lent this year.
Happy Ash Wednesday (Valentine’s) Day.