By Sr. Susan Hutchens, OSB

Today is Ash Wednesday – the day we begin the liturgical season of Lent. 40 days of preparation for the ultimate gift of God – resurrected life at Easter! Lent is a time of looking within ourselves, of contemplation, of asking for forgiveness, of setting our sights and hearts and actions on improving our lives.  It isn’t an easy season of outward joy and pretty colored lights and wrapped packages and heart-moving songs like those of Advent.  It is a season of cactus.   Continue Reading