Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Ash Wednesday

Remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return. Genesis 3:19

Pope Benedict XVI said, "... the words of Genesis are reflected in the Ash Wednesday liturgy: as an invitation to penance, humility, and an awareness of our mortal state. We are not to despair, but to welcome in this mortal state of ours the unthinkable nearness of God who opens the way to Resurrection, to paradise regained, beyond death."

My dear readers, I will be focusing on doing the duties of my station, and less of the diversions. By the grace of God, and your prayers, I hope to be less distracted, and more mindful. Know that I am praying for all of us to grow closer to our Savior. Have a beautiful and blessed Lent.


Just came back from Mass.
The cat was very curious about the ashes.
So it was picture time.
Ouch!
It's claw-clipping time.

Ciao meow.
TO KEEP A TRUE LENT by Robert Herrick

Is this a fast, to keep
The larder lean?
                         And clean
From fat of veals and sheep?

Is it to quit the dish
Of flesh, yet still
                        To fill
The platter high with fish?

Is it to fast an hour,
Or ragg’d to go,
                        Or show
A downcast look and sour?

No ; ‘tis a fast to dole
Thy sheaf of wheat,
                         And meat,
Unto the hungry soul.

It is to fast from strife,
From old debate
                       And hate;
To circumcise thy life.

To show a heart grief-rent;
To starve thy sin,
                      Not bin;
And that’s to keep thy Lent.

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8 comments:

Mirka Breen said...

Last year I went through ‘a touch of Lent’ by *your* withdrawal from the net for the duration...

I wish you and all Christians the strength to endure and emerge to the light of Easter.

Faith E. Hough said...

I think your cat is wearing the same expression of my 19-month-old! :)

Faith E. Hough said...

I think your cat is wearing the same expression of my 19-month-old! :)

Marcia said...

Oh, I love that cat's curiosity!

Vijaya said...

Mirka, thank you. It has been wonderful to retreat from the online world.

Faith, you make me laugh. I often find many similarities between my pets and children.

Marcia, I love the personality of the cat.

xx yy said...

Dear Vijaya,
I might not share your views on religion and faith, but I do enjoy reading your thoughts.
Thanks for sharing.
Gigi

Vijaya said...

Gigi! Write to us and let us know how you are -- you've got our home e-addy (it's the same one we've had forever). Grazie mille ...

Christina Farley said...

I love this. I don't follow Ash Wed but I think it's a wonderful practice about sacrifice and remembering what is important in our lives.