Today, Wednesday February 17, 2021 is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is a 40 day and 40 night (commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert) period of solemn period marked by repentance, reflection, alms giving and sacrifice that ends with Easter. This period of time is meant to renew faith, hope and love.

Pope Francis shared a hopeful message as we begin Lent close to a year in the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In his message, Pope Francis hit a few notes for fellow Catholics to keep in mind during the next 6 weeks:

• “Faith calls us to accept the truth and testify to it before God and all our brothers and sisters.”
• “Hope as “living water” enabling us to continue our journey.”
• “Love, following in the footsteps of Christ, in concern and compassion for all, is the highest expression of our faith and hope.”

While some may focus on what “we give up” during Lent, it is important to remember what we gain during this time. With faith, hope and love, we further gain a deeper relationship with God and His son Jesus Christ. We gain the will to speak truth to power, continue our journey everyday and love others and bring compassion to the lives’ of others. 

You may read Pope Francis’s full message here.