Ash Wednesday is nearly upon us, the beginning of Lent. The imposition of ashes of burnt palm branches on our foreheads calls to mind the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. In his honor, the people laid out palm branches along the road that took Jesus, riding on a donkey, into the holy city. They cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mt 21:9) That celebratory route, however, would soon become the via crucis, the way of the cross, leading Jesus out of the holy city to the place of the skull, Golgotha, where the Son of David, who is in truth the Son of God, would give his life for our sins.

Ashes remind us of what lies ahead when we arrive at the culmination of Lent during Holy Week. Palm branches, signifying the honor and acclaim of the crowd, have been turned into lifeless ash by fire, reminding us of the spiritual death that sin brings. Yet God’s love transforms our lives: through living waters of his grace, our souls, once dead in sin, rise to a new grace-filled life through his forgiveness.

Lent begins with ashes, abstinence from eating meat, and fasting. Denying ourselves and taking up the cross of Lenten penances pleases the Good Lord, who strengthens us when we try to imitate him. Not eating chocolate, giving up adult beverages, restricting TV and social media viewing, even finally getting around to cleaning up and putting order into our homes and workplaces—these can be effective means to refocusing our lives on serving God above all. “God first, me second” should be our motivating mantra these next forty days.

Ash Wednesday is one of the busiest days for priests in parishes. A&P (Ashes and Palms) Catholics make one of their rare visits at the start of Lent. They (and everyone else in church) are proud to be seen with the mark of repentance on their foreheads as they walk out the door and back onto the street. They may not be exemplary in fulfilling their religious duties, but they are believers who know that God is merciful and hears their prayers. Who knows, this Lent some of them may even start returning to Sunday Mass.

Lent is a good time to get our lives back into Godly order. Self-indulgence and worldliness push God out of our lives. Lent is the moment to say “Enough!” The Prophet Isaiah proclaims: “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call on him while he is near.” (55:6) God is always near. Without him we are nothing. With him we have life and joy. It is up to us to remember that “we are dust and to dust we will return.” Dust, yes, but enlivened with the presence of God, who offers his forgiveness and love to us as we turn back to him this Lent.

Did I forget to say that confession is good for the soul? I guess I did! Well, that is the way to get right with God and find the peace that only God can give us sinners.

Have a blessed Lent.