Contrition in Practice

As Lent begins, we often think of putting on sackcloth and ashes. Yet, that’s only part of repentance. Ash Wednesday not only points us to our inadequacy without the blood of Christ’s cross, but it also reminds us that his resurrection is near and that we are also baptized into Christ! Easter’s arrival and your Baptism mean that something new is always happening in you. God washes you by Jesus’ blood and “puts new clothes on” you so that you may be like himto others. Christ died, but so do we, that we might embody his compassion, kindness, and joy to all. There is no better quality than love, so others may see Christ’s joy, compassion, humility, and forgiveness in you!