Today is Ash Wednesday.

Here is the on-line definition:

"Ash Wednesday, falling on February 18, 2026, is the first day of Lent in Western Christianity, marking a 40-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, fasting, and repentance.  It is a solemn day for Christians to reflect on mortality and turn back to God, with many attending services to receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross."

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It is recognized by various church families in various ways. Whether we participate or not, we typically see crosses in ashes on people's foreheads on those in the media today sometimes!

Forty is a known number Biblical:  number of days connected with Noah and the flood, for example.

Again from a computer post: The 40 days of Lent, however, are primarily identified with the time Jesus spent in the desert fasting, praying, and being tempted by the devil. Found in Matthew 4:1 - 11)."

At any rate, it is a good time to begin our reflection on Jesus - His Life, Death, and Resurrection! Which He would have done for each one of us!

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Jesus,
Thank You
for what You are
and were willing to do
for each one of us!
Whether we respond to
Your Love or not!
Thank You!
Lead us!
Guide us!
In Your Name we pray,
Amen.