Ash Wednesday

Today, your priest will put ash on your forehead and say, “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Why does he say this? He’s reminding us that this world is not our home. We are made to be with Jesus forever in Heaven, but until that day, we must practice letting go of the things in this world (yes, even good things that we love). Think of it this way: You have $20 in your hand and your dad tells you that if you give him the $20, he’ll give you whatever is behind his back. Do you let go of the $20? Do you trust that your dad has something better behind his back to give you? Our Heavenly Father is offering us eternity — the greatest gift of all! But to open our hands and receive it, we have to let go of the things of this world. It’s like letting go of the $20 and finding out your dad has tickets to Disneyland behind his back! During Lent, we practice this “letting go” through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Take time to brainstorm with your family on how you will pray, fast and give alms over the next few weeks.