Today is Ash Wednesday. It is a very popular day and many will receive the blessing with the ashes today. There are different versions of the words used but the one I prefer and the one that I am going to use today is….”Believe in your Good News and believe in the Good News of Jesus.”
On This Day
On February 22nd 2007 a team of British scientists working at the Roslin Institute near Edinburg announced the birth of Dolly the sheep, the first clone of an adult mammal.
On February 22nd 2011 An earthquake measuring 6.3 in magnitude strikes Christchurch, New Zealand, killing 181 people
On February 22nd 2021 the US death toll from COVID-19 passes 500,000, higher than US deaths in World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War combined
Birthday’s Today
Tommy Bowe (Former Irish Rugby Player) is 39
James Blunt (Singer) is 49
Julie Walters (Actress) is 73
Saint For Today:
No Saint is celebrated on today Ash Wednesday
Significance Of Today
Today is Ash Wednesday and for Catholics across the world it is a special spiritual day. The tradition of wearing the ashes on this day has appeal across all age groups. The ashes are a reminder of our mortality and that we are merely pilgrims passing through this world. The ashes remind us that we are all equal in God’s eyes. The ashes are an outward symbol that we are are not perfect and that we are human but very importantly they also remind us that we are uniquely special and loved by God. The ashes remind us that we are beginning this important journey through Lent.
Interesting Quote for Today
“Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself.” ~St Francis De Sales
Did You Know
Did you know that Catholics are encouraged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Lent.
Video For Today
How Ash Wednesday ashes are made
Thought For The Week
“You have learnt how it was said: You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” ~ Matthew 5:40
Thomas Edison was one of our finest scientists. Every light bulb in your home is thanks to the endless work he put into improving electrical light. He had over a thousand different patents on scientific inventions. Edison’s world came crashing down when his scientific laboratories were destroyed by fire in 1914. But Edison never gave up. He famously said after the fire that there was great value in the disaster, as all his mistakes were also destroyed. He was determined to restart his life again and with the help of others rebuilt his world of inventions again.
Jesus was also someone who encouraged so many to rebuild their lives again, learn from the mistakes and always embrace new beginnings. His sermon on the mount was revolutionary in its thinking and massively challenging. When someone wrongs us, it is our instinct to want to get our own back. Turning the other cheek is not something natural for us.
Jesus asks us not to return evil for evil. He hated violence and especially where the beautiful dignity of a person was harmed by evil and violence. Jesus wanted our world to be safe for everyone but not by creating more violence. Gandhi was so moved by the teaching of Jesus that he lived his message of peace and asked others to do the same.
Our world is filled with evil and violence. Next Friday February 24th will be the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine. It is dreadfully sad to see the horror that this war is causing. Its effects are worldwide. At every Mass we continue to pray for peace in Ukraine. The pessimist will say what a waste of time, what difference will it make?
But Jesus says yes it will make a difference. We are encouraged to be a person of love, a person of kindness and a person of peace. It is the only response to evil and hatred. It is easy to get disheartened, to give up and to lose hope. We continue to pray for peace and to be a person of peace even if it feels we are brushing water uphill. But the top of every hill can be reached. It is at the heart of what we believe in.
The Thought For The Week is updated each Monday
