They say it’s a river, that circles the earth.
A beam of light shining to the edge of the universe.
It conquers all, it changes everything.
They say it’s a blessing, they say it’s a gift.
They say it’s a miracle, and I believe that it is.
It conquers all, but it’s a mystery.
From Love Is written by Brian McKnight
This year Ash Wednesday happens to fall on Valentine’s Day. Every 15 years or so this happens, and it reminds me of what I talk about at weddings- what we want and what we need. It strikes me as I work with couples and help plan their celebration that a beautiful transformation takes place- their concern is not their own desires or pleasures, but the happiness of the one they love, and as I get to baptize their children, seeing the joy of their love grow to their children, I see the source of all that love from God Himself.
Real love involves sacrifice and finding true meaning and peace in that giving, which is heart of the Lenten season. I find it powerful that these days intersect- the love God calls us to share puts the other person first- actively, joyously, sacrificially. Let us be about this holy season with hearts open to God’s will- in this we will find our joy!