One of the signs of the greatness of our Catholic faith is that it never allows us to rest easy. Because we can always do better, we can always draw closer to Christ, it constantly beckons to us to grow in holiness both in our souls and in our lives in the world. Truly, thank God for that. Because along with our calling to greater holiness, He gives His help and grace to do better.

Isn’t that really the basis for the Lenten season that we are entering into? Each year, during this period of six weeks, the Church asks us to examine carefully and prayerfully the state of our soul and our relation to Christ and the Church.

This is not some sort of negative introspection that is calculated to somehow shame us to do better. Far from it! It is a time to pray and to take stock of the state of our souls as the foundation for greater love.

We begin with the great sign of ashes. On Ash Wednesday, even though it is not a Holy Day of Obligation, our churches are often filled. We come for our ashes because we are drawn by a healthy reminder of the price of sin in our world.

“Remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return.” That is a call to reflect upon our passing days on earth and that it is Christ and his death and resurrection that make us so much more than dust.

Throughout Lent, the readings and the very somberness of the purple vestments serve to direct our attention to our sinfulness. Holy Mother Church knows her children so well! How gladly we would look away from what we have done wrong, what weakness and sinfulness we need to be done with, the greater good that we leave undone.

It is so much easier to make excuses or to rationalize our failures with thoughts about good intentions. However, the deeper question is where have we not fully accepted or lived the moral teaching conveyed to us by Christ’s Church? In the end, we need to have a time of honest reflection in order to repent and to move forward.

After reflecting on our sins, we need conversion. That means receiving the sacrament of reconciliation and then living in greater holiness.

In this Year of Faith, I have asked that our parishes schedule an additional night each week of Lent when confessions will be heard in church. That will give more opportunities and a greater possibility to confess anonymously for those who are most comfortable that way.

Has it been a while, even years, since you last confessed your sins and received absolution? The reading for the Mass of Ash Wednesday, taken from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians reminds us, “Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Come to confession this Lent. Then change your life!

Along with repentance, we need to draw closer to the Lord. How can we achieve that? Find a way to give to the poor and needy. It could be by giving your time; it could be sharing your treasure. But be the hands of Christ in the world in a special way.

Consider attending Mass during the week. There is something about the silence of a weekday Mass combined with the powerful Lenten readings that move the heart and soul.

And don’t forget fasting and abstaining from meat. Yes, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and, beginning today, no meat on Fridays. But you can add other moments as well.

Lent is a beautiful season in the Church and in our lives. In this Year of Faith, let’s really get going on it to prepare for Holy Week and Easter.