By CatholicVote | Created at 2025-03-11 00:01:29 | Updated at 2025-03-11 16:52:22
16 hours ago
CV NEWS FEED // Bishop Carl A. Kemme of the Diocese of Wichita, Kansas, published a message on Ash Wednesday, encouraging the faithful to take time this liturgical season to cultivate “humility, repentance, and a renewed commitment to walk in the ways of the Lord.”
Bishop Kemme wrote that the words used during the distribution of ashes, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” highlight how all people are dependent on God and are called to conversion.
He also reflected on how the three pillars of Lent — prayer, fasting, and almsgiving — allow people to step out of the “busyness of life” and examine their interior life.
Prayer allows God’s people to grow in their relationship with Him, Bishop Kemme said.
“In these 40 days, I encourage you to spend more time in quiet reflection, in reading scripture, and in participating in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation,” Bishop Kamme wrote.
Reflecting on the value of fasting, Bishop Kamme wrote, “Fasting helps us detach from the things that distract us from God. When we give something up, we make room for something greater – his presence in our lives.”
He also wrote on the importance of showing Christian charity to others through almsgiving.
“Through almsgiving, we turn our hearts toward others, especially those in need, practicing true Christian charity,” the Bishop wrote.
The bishop ended his letter by inviting people to reflect on the question of what God might be asking of them during the Lenten season.
“Perhaps He is calling you to greater trust, to deeper conversion, or to reconciliation with someone in your life,” he wrote. “Whatever it may be, know that he is ready to walk this journey with you.”
