Ready or not, Lent begins this week. Our foreheads are smudged with ashes as a reminder that we should spend the 40 days working on a conversion of heart. When we make our decisions about what we may “give up” for Lent, the decision should be informed by our desire to align ourselves more closely to Christ who gave up his life for us. In his sacrifice on the Cross, it hurt Jesus to love

This Sunday we are called to be “salt and light.” For centuries salt has been a staple for preserving, flavoring, and it even had its role in liturgical ritual. As we live out our discipleship, we need “salt” – the encouragement, support, and prayer that enable us to follow Jesus and bring light to others. As a parish family, we can be salt and light for one another and build up our community of faith.

The Gospel this Sunday is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The “Beatitudes” are a reminder that we can count on God to provide for us as we live out our discipleship. In our mourning, humility, working for justice, and peacemaking we are “blessed” because we are proclaiming the Kingdom of God. We are comforted, shown mercy, and will see God. The Beatitudes challenge us to Gospel living and demonstrate that doing the will