Mardi Gras over, time to embrace Lent

Mardi Gras ended on a high note in St. Charles Parish, with lots of parades and family fun.

Not to mention the excellent weather that greeted all of the local parades.

With Fat Tuesday over, the beginning of the Lenten season is here.

Many people embrace the need of selflessness at the beginning of Lent so that they can come to a fuller understanding of the life Jesus Christ led as Easter draws near.  

Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection.

The Bible does not mention the custom of Lent, however, the practice of repentance and mourning in ashes is found in many scriptures.

Pope John Paul II wrote in a prayer for the Lenten season, "As we live through this Ash Wednesday, may the crosses of ashes that mark our foreheads be a reminder to us and to those we meet that we belong to your Son.

“May our worship and prayer and penitence this day be sustained throughout these 40 days of Lent. Bring us refreshed and renewed to the celebration of Christ's resurrection at Easter."