"Repent and Live the Gospel"

"Repent and live the gospel," the eucharistic minister says as she marks a cross on my forehead with her thumb. Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. For Catholics and participating Christians this is the season to fast and limit oneself from daily luxuries. This Lent I hope everybody who decides to give up something understands why they are giving things up. Normally I don't abstain from anything except for the usual no meat on Friday, but if I were I wouldn't tell you. As we progress through this season, fast and abstain, but act as if you were not for the "reward" may be greater than those showy types.