02/18/2026
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent—and a wonderful opportunity to make yourself 100% available to God!
How available to God are you? 50%? 75%? 96.4%? No matter what your answer, Ash Wednesday is the perfect time to decide that you will spend this Lent increasing that number.
On Ash Wednesday, you can get your forehead blessed with ashes at Mass or a prayer service. These ashes are a reminder that we need to repent.
Repentance is a powerful invitation. When John the Baptist first appeared in the desert of Judea, this was his message: “Repent, prepare the way of the Lord” (Matthew 3:2). Later, when Jesus began his ministry, he led with this message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).
But what does it mean for us to repent, here and now, more than two thousand years later? It means the same as it did to the people walking around the dusty pathways in their sandals, trying to inch closer to Jesus as he passed through their town or village. Repent means “to turn back to God.”
We all find ourselves needing to turn back to God many times a day, in ways small and large. It is not a matter of guilt and it is not a shameful thing. It is simply that we are a better version of ourselves when we return to his side!
Ash Wednesday is the perfect time to decide if you want to have the kind of Lent that’s easy to forget…or the kind that changes your life. Do you want a renewed commitment to prayer? More discipline in a specific area of your life? More self-care? A stronger self discipline? More peace? This Ash Wednesday, set aside 15 minutes to set your intentions for the season of Lent!
Prayer
Heavenly Gracious Father,
During these 40 days, let me put away all my pride.
Let me change my heart, and let go of all that is not good within me. Let me love you, God with all that I am and all that I have. Lift me up in your grace and give me strength to discipline my self. Guide my steps and show me the way. In Jesus's Holy name I pray.
Amen
May you be Blessed in your walk with Jesus this season of Lent.
