It’s quite fascinating that Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, and Valentine’s Day are on the same day this year. It doesn’t happen very often. In fact, the last time it occurred was in 2018, and the next time it will be in 2029. How do you think you will celebrate these two days? Will you go to church and get ashes on your forehead, and then go out for a romantic dinner with your partner? Will you give up chocolate or sweets for Lent, and then indulge in a box of chocolates or a cake for Valentine’s Day? Will you send cards or flowers to your loved ones, and then donate money or goods to a charity? I can imagine doing any of those things and feeling I have celebrated both days. I think we may be forgiven this year for starting our Lent forfeits a few hours later. I think these two days are not as incompatible as they may seem. They are both occasions to reflect on the meaning of love, and to practice it in our daily lives. Maybe we can use this rare coincidence as a motivation to love God and others more fully and faithfully. Both days can inspire us to be more loving throughout the year. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a time of preparation for Easter, the greatest feast of love. It is an opportunity to renew our relationship with God and to deepen our faith. Valentine’s Day is a reminder of the importance of love in our lives, and of the joy it brings. It is a chance to celebrate our love and to express our gratitude. So, Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day are not as incompatible as they may seem. They are both occasions to reflect on the meaning of love, and to practice it in our daily lives.
This month’s book club choice is The Stranger by Albert Camus. It is also published under the title The Outsider. It is obviously very well written as Camus is a Nobel literature prize winner. I found it quite different to most books I read.
God Bless
Maureen Kendall