Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent. Lent is a time to reflect on our own death so we can truly embrace life. While many of us fear death, others fear life. During my time as a chaplain in a residential treatment facility for people suffering with addictions, a patient asked me if I believed many people fear death. As I thought about my experience with people at end-of-life, I shared it was true that many people fear death. He responded by saying that people suffering from addictions fear life. It was a life-changing moment for me as I was transformed to see things differently.

Today, on Sackcloth Saturday, let us take our sackcloth – the ancient sign of penance – and embrace our fears of life and death. Remember there are two pockets sewn into the garment – a pocket of hope and a pocket of faith. Let us have hope and faith that we can accept the grace God will give us during this special time of the year that will lead us to transformation.  As the inspired Word of God in the Bible tells us: “Do not be afraid” as you are not alone in your Lenten journey.