14th of February – Ashes and Love

Ashes and Love

The ash cross as a sign of penitence and the hearts of Valentine’s: an annoying combination at first sight, isn’t it? And yet, lent is deeply linked to the matters of love. For the 40 days leading up to Easter are about striving for the highest ideal of love: to love as God loves. To love, even if it hurts, until death! Is Jesus who says it, clearly and unequivocally: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15, 12-14)

But how can we grown in this love in everyday life? Saint John Henry Newman gives us a wonderful recipe that can guide us through Lenten season.

Prayer to print