The question seems to dig into something personal and introspective—whether you carry traits of the Prodigal Son or even the older son from the parable. Let’s unpack that.

The Prodigal Son in you might show up if you’ve ever felt like you’ve wandered off course—chasing something (a dream, a thrill, a distraction) that left you emptier than you expected. Maybe you’ve taken risks or made choices that pulled you away from what matters most to you, only to feel later that tug to return—to a better version of yourself, to people who care, or to a sense of purpose. It’s that part of you that’s restless, maybe a little reckless, but capable of recognizing when it’s time to come home, wherever “home” is for you.

The older son, though? That could be in you if you’ve ever felt overlooked or resentful—sticking to the rules, doing the “right” thing, yet watching others get grace or attention you think they don’t deserve. It’s that quiet frustration when loyalty seems unrewarded or when you catch yourself judging instead of celebrating someone else’s comeback. If you’ve ever wrestled with fairness—why them and not me?—that’s him whispering.

Most of us have a bit of both. The Prodigal’s hunger for freedom and the older son’s hunger for recognition aren’t opposites—they’re human. Lent is a chance to look at both: where you’ve strayed and need forgiveness and where you’ve clung too tight and need to let go. So, is there a son in you? Probably. The real question is which one’s louder right now—and what you’ll do about it.

Fr. Marius

The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord: A Celebration of Divine Invitation and Human Fiat

In the rich tapestry of the Catholic liturgical calendar, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord stands as a profound moment of grace, mystery, and celebration. Observed annually on March 25 (or the nearest Monday if it falls during Holy Week), this feast commemorates the pivotal event when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive the Son of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a day that invites the faithful to reflect on the Incarnation—the moment when God became man—and the humble yet transformative "yes" of Mary that changed the course of human history.

The Biblical Foundation

The Annunciation is rooted in the Gospel of Luke (1:26-38), where Gabriel greets Mary with the words, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you." Troubled by this salutation, Mary listens as the angel reveals God’s plan: "You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High." Despite her initial perplexity—expressed in her question, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?"—Mary responds with faith and obedience: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." With this fiat ("let it be"), the Word became flesh, and the redemption of humanity began.

From a Catholic perspective, this moment is not merely a historical event but the cornerstone of salvation. The Annunciation marks the beginning of the Incarnation, when the eternal Son of God took on human nature in the womb of the Virgin Mary, uniting divinity and humanity in a singular, unrepeatable act of love.

Theological Significance

The Solemnity of the Annunciation holds immense theological weight in Catholic doctrine. It celebrates the mystery of the Incarnation, a foundational belief articulated in the Nicene Creed: "For us men and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man." This feast underscores the dignity of human life, as God Himself chose to enter the world as an embryo, sanctifying the womb and affirming the sacredness of every human being from conception.

Moreover, the Annunciation highlights Mary’s unique role in salvation history. Declared "full of grace" by Gabriel, she is understood in Catholic theology as the Immaculate Conception—preserved from original sin from the moment of her own conception to be a fitting vessel for the Son of God. Her free and willing consent exemplifies perfect discipleship, making her the model for all Christians who are called to surrender to God’s will.

Liturgical Observance

In the Catholic Church, the Solemnity of the Annunciation is a day of joy and reverence. Because it typically falls during Lent—a season of penance—the feast offers a burst of light amid the somberness, reminding the faithful of the hope of redemption. The liturgy features white vestments, symbolizing celebration, and includes readings from Scripture such as Isaiah 7:10-14 (the prophecy of a virgin bearing a son named Emmanuel) and the Lucan account of the Annunciation. The Angelus prayer, recited daily by many Catholics, takes on special resonance on this day, as it recalls Gabriel’s message and Mary’s response.

Interestingly, the date of March 25 also carries a traditional connection to the Crucifixion. Early Church Fathers calculated that Christ’s death occurred on the same day as His conception, linking the Annunciation to the Paschal Mystery and emphasizing the unity of Christ’s life from beginning to end.

A Call to Reflection

For Catholics, the Solemnity of the Annunciation is an invitation to ponder several enduring truths. First, it reveals God’s humility and love—He did not impose His will but sought the cooperation of a young woman from Nazareth. Second, it showcases Mary’s radical trust and obedience, inspiring believers to echo her fiat in their own lives, even amid uncertainty. Finally, it calls attention to the sanctity of life, as the Church reflects on the moment when Jesus, fully God and fully man, began His earthly existence.

In a world often marked by noise and distraction, the Annunciation offers a quiet yet powerful lesson: God enters human history not with fanfare, but through the stillness of a virgin’s womb and the courage of her "yes." As Pope St. John Paul II wrote in his encyclical Redemptoris Mater, "The Annunciation is the beginning of that 'fullness of time' which marks the fulfillment of God’s promises and preparations." It is a moment that continues to resonate, drawing the faithful into the mystery of a God who became one of us.

Living the Annunciation Today

Catholics are encouraged to celebrate this solemnity not only through liturgy but also through personal devotion. Praying the Rosary, particularly the Joyful Mysteries, meditating on the Annunciation, or reciting the Angelus can deepen one’s connection to this event. It is also a day to renew commitment to life, echoing the Church’s teaching on the dignity of every human person from conception.

In essence, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord is a celebration of divine initiative and human response—a moment when heaven met earth, and salvation took root. For Catholics, it is a reminder that God still calls each person to participate in His plan, waiting patiently for our own "let it be" to bring His light into the world.

Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter in the Christian calendar, is a time of reflection, penance, and preparation. It’s rooted in the biblical account of Jesus fasting for 40 days in the wilderness. Over centuries, various traditions have emerged—some solemn, some quirky, and many shaped by local cultures. Here are a few that stand out:

Fasting and Abstinence:

The classic Lenten practice is giving something up—originally meat, dairy, and eggs in many traditions, which is why you’ll still hear about "fish Fridays" in Catholic communities. People now often ditch chocolate, coffee, or social media instead. The idea is sacrifice, mirroring Jesus’ deprivation, though the modern spin can feel more like a spiritual New Year’s resolution.

Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day:

The day before Lent starts (Ash Wednesday), folks historically used up rich foods like eggs and butter—enter pancakes. In the UK, it’s a legit event with pancake races where people flip them while running. In France, it’s Mardi Gras ("Fat Tuesday"), a last hurrah of indulgence before the austerity kicks in.

Ash Wednesday Ashes:

Kicking off Lent, some Christians get ash on their foreheads in a cross shape, made from burned palm leaves from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. It’s a memento mori—“remember you will die”—paired with a call to repent.

Pretzels as Prayer: 

In medieval Europe, monks supposedly invented pretzels as a Lenten snack. No eggs or dairy, just flour, water, and salt, twisted into a shape mimicking arms crossed in prayer. It’s a stretch (pun intended), but a fun origin story for a snack still tied to the season.

Carnival: 

Before the restraint of Lent, places like Brazil, Venice, and New Orleans throw massive pre-Lent bashes—Carnival or Carnevale, from the Latin "carne vale," meaning "farewell to meat." Masks, parades, and excess flip the script on the sobriety to come.

Burying the Alleluia: 

In some liturgical traditions, the word "Alleluia" gets ceremonially dropped from hymns and services during Lent, sometimes "buried" symbolically (like writing it on paper and sticking it in a box) until Easter. It’s a quiet way to mark the mood shift.

Spring Cleaning: 

In parts of Eastern Europe, Lent doubles as a time to scrub the house top to bottom. The physical purge aligns with the spiritual one—out with the old, in with the renewed. It’s practical and symbolic, though not exactly a party.

Passion Plays: 

Around Holy Week (the last week of Lent), communities—especially in places like Germany or the Philippines—stage dramatic reenactments of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. Some get intense, with real nails in extreme cases (looking at you, Filipino devotees), though most keep it theatrical.

Each tradition reflects a mix of faith, history, and human creativity. They’re less about rigid rules today and more about what resonates with people.

Lent is a significant liturgical season in the Catholic Church, lasting for forty days, not including Sundays, leading up to Easter Sunday. It is a time dedicated to penance, fasting, and prayer, aimed at preparing the faithful for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The duration of Lent mirrors the forty days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert before beginning His public ministry, as described in the Gospels.

The importance of Lent lies in its role as a period of spiritual renewal and reflection. It serves as an opportunity for Catholics to engage in self-examination, repentance, and a deeper relationship with God. The Church encourages the faithful to remember their baptism and to reconcile with God and their neighbors during this time. The practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are emphasized as means to grow in holiness and to prepare for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery, which encompasses Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

Deciding what to give up for Lent is a personal choice, often guided by the desire to grow closer to God through sacrifice, self-discipline, and reflection. In the Catholic tradition, the focus is on letting go of something meaningful—something that challenges you or distracts you from your spiritual life—while also making room for prayer and good works. Here are a few ideas tailored to different aspects of life, based on common practices and the spirit of the season:

Food or Drink:

Beyond the required fasting and abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays, you might consider giving up something specific like sweets, coffee, soda, or alcohol. These are popular choices because they’re tangible sacrifices that test will power and remind you daily of your Lenten commitment. Technology and Entertainment: Cu ttin g back on screen time—think social media, streaming shows, or video games—can free up space for quiet reflection or family time. Maybe limit yourself to checking your phone only once an hour, or swap Netflix for a spiritual book.

Habits or Vices:

If there’s a habit you’ve been wanting to break, like gossiping, swearing, or procrastination, Lent can be the perfect time to tackle it. It’s less about the thing itself and more about redirecting that energy toward patience or kindness.

Comforts:

Some people give up small luxuries, like sleeping in late, taking hot showers, or eating out. These sacrifices can heighten awareness of others who lack those comforts year-round, inspiring gratitude and charity.

Adding Instead of Subtracting:

You could also “give up” some of your free time to take on a positive act—like volunteering, praying a daily Rosary, or helping a neighbor. This complements the traditional idea of almsgiving and can feel just as sacrificial.

A good question to ask yourself:

What’s something I lean on too much that I could offer up to God instead? For example, if you’re glued to your phone, maybe scale back. If you’re a chocolate enthusiast, skip it for 40 days. The key is picking something that’s a stretch but doable—and then sticking with it. What do you think? Anything in your daily routine stand out as a candidate?

A Sacred Beginning in the Catholic Tradition Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a 40-day period of penance, reflection, and preparation leading up to Easter in the Catholic Church. Observed annually—falling on February 26 in 2025—this day carries profound spiritual significance, calling the faithful to turn inward, repent, and renew their commitment to living a life rooted in faith. Steeped in centuries-old traditions, Ash Wednesday blends
solemn rituals with a message of hope, reminding Catholics of their mortality and the promise of redemption.

The Origins of Ash Wednesday

The roots of Ash Wednesday trace back to early Christian practices of penance. By the 11th century, it had become a formalized observance in the Western Church. The name itself comes from the central ritual of the day: the imposition of ashes. These ashes, typically made by burning palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday, symbolize both human frailty and the call to conversion. The 40 days of Lent echo the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, preparing for his ministry, as recounted in the Gospels.

The Ritual of Ashes

The most iconic tradition of Ash Wednesday is the marking of the forehead with ashes in the shape of a cross. During Mass or a special liturgy, priests or ministers dip their fingers into the ashes and trace the sign, saying one of two phrases: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These words, drawn from Scripture (Mark 1:15 and Genesis 3:19), serve as a stark reminder of human mortality while inviting a return to God’s mercy.

For Catholics, this act is not merely symbolic—it’s sacramental in nature, stirring the soul to humility and contemplation. Parishioners of all ages participate, from young children to the elderly, uniting the community in a shared acknowledgment of their need for grace.

Fasting and Abstinence

Ash Wednesday is also a day of fasting and abstinence, practices that underscore the penitential spirit of Lent. In the Catholic Church, those aged 18 to 59 are obliged to fast, limiting themselves to one full meal and two smaller ones that together do not equal a full meal. Additionally, Catholics aged 14 and older abstain from meat, a discipline that extends to all Fridays during Lent. These acts of self-denial are not ends in themselves but tools to sharpen focus on prayer and charity, fostering a deeper connection with God and others.

A Time for Reflection and Renewal

Beyond the physical rituals, Ash Wednesday invites Catholics to embark on a spiritual journey. It’s a time to examine one’s conscience, seek forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and commit to the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Many choose personal sacrifices—giving up luxuries like sweets or social media—or take on positive actions, such as volunteering or increasing time in prayer. The ashes may wash away, but the resolve to grow in holiness lingers.

A Universal Call

While Ash Wednesday is distinctly Catholic in its fullest expression, its themes resonate universally: the acknowledgment of human limits, the pursuit of meaning, and the hope of transformation. Across the globe, churches fill with the faithful, their foreheads bearing the ashen cross as a quiet testimony to their beliefs. In a world often fixated on the here and now, this tradition offers a countercultural pause—a chance to step back, reflect, and realign with what matters most. As Lent unfolds, Ash Wednesday remains a powerful starting point. It’s a day of somber beauty, where the Church calls its people to embrace their dust-like nature not with despair, but with trust in the God who brings life from ashes. For Catholics, it’s a sacred beginning, a moment to say yes to grace, and a step toward the joy of Easter.