Ash Wednesday is here at last. Like my friend Charles, this is my first Catholic Lent and I’m excited about that. My parish is offering weekly Stations of the Cross and a Lenten discussion group on the Eucharist. I’ve always done Stations of the Cross privately, but can’t wait to do it with people from my parish this year. I also can’t wait to learn more about the Eucharist.

Growing up evangelical, I always had Advent, Christmas, and Easter, but oddly enough, never Lent. Maybe it was considered too negative, I don’t know. Lent always fascinated me, however, and even when I was in a campus evangelical group I always gave something up for Lent. Lent was a natural impulse, even if I couldn’t explain the reasons behind it. I was amazed how readily my other evangelical friends took to "giving something up" for Lent too. Of that group, I know that two of us are now Catholic and one is Orthodox.

I believe God instituted Lent through his Church, of course. But, why has Lent been so enduring, not only for Catholics and the Orthodox, but also Protestants of all stripes? I believe it’s because, as Christians, especially overworked, overstressed 21st century Western Christians constantly bombarded by society’s self-help philosophy, feel good theology, and the denial of sinfulness, we desperately need Lent to keep us oriented to God and on track spiritually. Too many people try to turn Christianity into a feel good religion of psychology or self help. They want only the resurrection. As Catholics, we seek to know and participate in the life of our Lord, not just the resurrection, but also the wilderness and cross.

Blessed Ash Wednesday to you all!