Bishop Kevin Farrell

The Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Search

Home » Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday

February 20, 2012 By Bishop Kevin J. Farrell

Pastors will tell you that on Ash Wednesday they see faces in the congregation that only appear once or maybe twice each year. First let me say that we rejoice that they are there. The reason is that by the grace of God that they, like all of us, are reminded by Ash Wednesday that we need God in our lives and that he is calling us.

It is trite, but true, that every church could carry a sign “For Sinners Only.” Some of us have already repented, others are repenting and still others are aware that they need to repent. That truth is why the Son of God took on our humanity to teach us about the healing and forgiving love of the Father.

Many of us recall a time when the theme for Ash Wednesday was always centered around our wretchedness…remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return. God doesn’t create wretches. “God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Gen 1:9) God’s image is not wretched.

When you receive your ashes this week you are more likely to be invited to “repent and believe in the Gospel.” And what is this Gospel message we are asked to believe? Simply this, the Father wants you back. The door is open, the welcome mat is out…it is now your move.

Be reconciled to The Father through his Son in His body the Church. This Lent in the Diocese of Dallas we will be making the Sacrament of Reconciliation readily available in all parishes.

When you hear the invitation this Ash Wednesday, I pray you will come home to Jesus in his Church and know the Father’s healing and forgiving love.

This post is also available in/Esta entrada también está disponible en: Spanish

Filed Under: En Español Tagged With: En Español, Our Lenten Journey

← Encountering Jesus in the Sacraments Baptized into Christ →

Bishop Farrell on Twitter

Follow @Bishop_Farrell

About Bishop Farrell

Bishop Kevin Joseph Farrell was appointed Seventh Bishop of Dallas on March 6, 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI.
   
MORE ON BISHOP FARRELL

Recent Posts

  • Bishop Farrell’s homily for Mass of Thanksgiving
  • Prefect of the new Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life
  • Simple acts of kindness
  • Prayer does not need words, it only needs faith
  • Baton Rouge

Bishop's Favorite Sites

  • Bishop Farrell Invitational
  • Bishop's Annual Appeal
  • Catholic Charities of Dallas
  • Catholic Diocese of Dallas
  • Catholic News Service
  • Catholic Pro-Life Committee
  • Catholic Schools of Dallas
  • Our Faith Our Future
  • The Catholic Foundation
  • The Vatican
  • USCCB

Sitius favoritos del Obispo

  • Campaña Anual del Obispo
  • Comité Católico Pro-Vida
  • El Vaticano