Why I Kept Smiling This Ash Wednesday

The solemn season of Lent is here at last. A testing time for many, and a boastful time for some. The reason I love this season is because, the air is filled with transformation and motivation. Transformation from the penitents and motivation from the Gospels. Remember that Lent is not a time of “sadness.” Jesus admonished his disciples against moaning and groaning in public while they practiced their penance. We are a living Gospel to most people we encounter, we should spread the joy and beauty of Christ’s saving grace, whatever happened to We are happy Christians all united in the Lord?

I had a great start this Lent and thankfully, I am not feeling mournful. I’ve been challenged dared to smile through this season. It is a very good suggestion and with so many sad sacks around, it may seem like swimming against the tide too. I think every one should take up the challenge and smile instead of complaining and being grumpy. This was one amazing day; I woke up to read something very amusing, I was almost Rofl (rolling on the floor laughing), though I cannot say what it was. Even as I, type there’s a 'blush on my face that’s more than the wine', truly insanity has no bounds lol ;-)

I heard two masses, (I always do on Ash Wednesday, besides certain other days) of course I received ashes just once. The reason I am more excited is, I heard a night Mass at 8:45 pm yup, never heard one that late on Ash Wednesday, so that’s a first for me. The celebrant was my PP, we waited for all the late comers to arrive, before Mass could begin, how thoughtful of him, not wanting to miss out anyone. So technically, it began a little before nine. As a fellow-parishioner mentioned once, “every Mass he (my PP) celebrates is like his first after ordination” I vouch for that, it is always that solemn! Before the dismissal he said, “it was a record Mass in the Archdioceses, not because the Church was as crowded as the earlier Masses in the day, (something that he did not expect being the last Mass) but for two other reasons. One: it was the ninth mass in the Parish Church (no Church has that many Masses on Ash Wednesday) and secondly: no other Parish had a mass that late.” Now I feel as though I've won a place in the Book of World Records. Oh, I am so blessed! And it’s going to be a good Lent.

Just a though for all stopping by,
Don’t just try to white wash yourself during the forty days
And show others you are pure and bright
Trust in God and repent for your sins,
Then God will wash you really white.

Blessings to all for Lent,

Grace and Peace