Ash Wednesday • Would you want a boyfriend or girlfriend who loved you half-heartedly? How many of you would want to play on a team with half-hearted teammates? Do you want to live in a family who loves each other half-heartedly?

Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta were half-hearted Catholics. Then an angel appeared to them to prepare them for Mary's visit. That following spring, on May 13, 1917, Mary appeared to them. She told them they needed to pray and do penance for the conversion of sinners. They began to pray many rosaries and make many sacrifices, including giving away their lunch to other poor shepherd children. They were praying, fasting, and giving alms.

During Lent, we not only do penance for our own sins, but also for the sins in the world. Our prayers, sacrifices, and alms-giving can make the world a better place. Stop living a half-hearted life!

(18 Feb 2026)

Going Deeper: How would your life be different if you loved God with your whole heart? How does Lent look different if your sacrifices are not just for you, but for the whole world?

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