If I were to characterize Lent to non-Catholics, it would be that time in the year when people sacrifice a certain thing and don't eat meat on Fridays. But, it is so much more than that.
Lent is a time when we are able to prepare for the Easter season and better understand the miracle that Easter brings. This six-week week period is filled with anticipation for God's death and Resurrection in ways only imaginable to the faithful.
Lent begins today, Ash Wednesday; and in observance, I will be attending Mass at the Basilica for the first time in 2020. I believe this is a great first Mass of 2020 at the Basilica. I am looking forward to it since it is one of the great times where we gather with our mind focused on growing in relation with God to begin our journey with Christ.
For Lent, I am planning on eating healthier, going to confession more often, and being more active in the communities of which I'm a part. None of these are sacrifices, but they are vows I am making to myself and God in order to live in greater accordance with Him and His plan for me.
So, today and throughout Lent, I will be praying for you and the entire Notre Dame family. Peace be with you.