In this first week of Lent, I am realizing how my heart is being purified to be undivided. It has been a challenging week where we truly entered the frigid desert here in Texas with a historic storm that crippled our infrastructure. This arctic storm took away our power and electricity, water, internet, and spotty phone service. To whom did I turn?
Today’s post is written by a guest contributor Jacquelyne Rocan. Jacquelyne has been a spiritual sister to me throughout the years and I am pleased to introduce you to her!
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and I find myself recalling this time last year. While there were certainly reports of the new coronavirus circulating in more and more communities, I celebrated Ash Wednesday in 2020 in many of the same ways that I have always marked that day — attending Mass, receiving ashes on my forehead, fasting, and setting in place plans for experiencing a holy and spiritual Lenten season. This included plans for additional prayers, readings, and attending Stations of the Cross. I marked times for all of the Holy Week services on my calendar — the Easter Triduum of Holy Thursday Mass, Good Friday service, and Easter Vigil Mass. It was important to me to fully participate and prepare by attending these services, as much as I could (especially through many years of serving on the RCIA team in my parish). My Lenten and Easter seasons have felt incomplete when I have been unable to prepare and attend the Easter Triduum services.