Word for ASH WEDNESDAY March 2nd – Beginning of Lent. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, requests us to pray and fast for peace in the Ukraine. “Even now,” says the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and tear your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy, and repents of evil.” Joel 2:12-13. St. Bernadette Soubirous said, “Jesus gives all to those who surrender all.” Let us pray, Lord Jesus, You call us to prayer and fasting as You did. May we participate in this Lenten observance spontaneously, without show, without counting the cost and expecting no return. May this time be a time of transformation; that peace may be in our homes and in the world. Amen.

“Let your light shine!!” Be blessed. Larry