February 25, 2026 Editor’s note: The following is Bishop Terry R. LaValley’s homily from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18. Sometimes, because of our sinfulness, it is difficult for us to believe that God still calls us by name, that God is still interested in us, hasn’t given up on us and is eager to walk with us despite everything. The prophet Joel begins this Lent 2026, as he begins Lent every year, pleading with us “even now, return to the Lord with your whole heart.” I have here a $20 bill. Raise your hand, if you’d like me to give it to you. (I Crumple it) “OK, now who still wants it?” Your response teaches us a valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it didn’t decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Often in our lives, we feel that we have been crumbled and handled roughly by our own decisions or those of other people. We feel as though we are worth little. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, we will never lose value: dirty, clean, crumpled or finely creased. We are still priceless to the One who knows us through and through, and values us so much that He wants to live in friendship with us forever. If you still find it hard to believe, look closely at the crucifix. That is the real message of Lent. Christ wants us with Him forever in heaven, so much that He was willing to be torn and crumpled and stomped on and humiliated to show each of us how much He values and loves us. I recently read a true story about a woman who took her children out to a restaurant. Her six-year-old son, Timmy, asked to say grace. They bowed their heads and he said, “God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And liberty and justice for all! Amen.” Along with laughter from some nearby customers, the mom heard a woman remark: “That’s what’s wrong with this country. Kids today don’t even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream – that’s ridiculous!” Hearing this, Timmy burst into tears and asked his mom, “Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?” As she held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at the boy and said, “I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.” “Really?” the boy asked. “Cross my heart,” the man replied. Then, he added with a rather loud whisper, referring to the woman who made the little body cry, “Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. You know, a little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.” Naturally, mom bought her kids ice cream at the end of the meal. Timmy stared at the dessert for a moment. Then he picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, “Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes, and my soul is good already.” When Catholic Christians leave Mass today we will be wearing ashes on our foreheads, and we will have Christ Himself, received in Holy Communion, in our hearts. And we will go into the world. We will be in shopping centers and at gas stations. We will be in offices, living rooms, kitchens and restaurants. And people will see the ashes. And whether they say anything or not, they will be touched. They will be reminded that in this pleasure-centered world, there are some people who believe in eternal life. They will be reminded that in this self-centered world, there are some people who have experienced an unconditional love – the love of Christ. They will be reminded that there is more to some people’s lives than money, things, power, sex and popularity. God will be reminding them of all these things, simply because we have decided to renew our faith in Him today. It’s a small, yet tangible way for you and me to share our ice cream with others. Tomorrow the ashes will be gone from our heads, but Christ will still be in our hearts. During the rest of Lent, let’s make it our commitment and our joy to continuing wearing the ashes every day, not on our foreheads, but in our actions, by living like Christ – by speaking words of truth and encouragement, not of criticism and gossip; by reaching out to help others without looking for anything in return; by forgiving those who offend us; and, most of all, by sharing the Good News Christ has given to us with those around us who need to hear it, again by sharing the ice cream. This year let’s not let Ash Wednesday stop after Ash Wednesday – life is too wonderful, and death is too near. Even now, return to the Lord with your whole heart. That little boy might have initially felt like that crumbled up $20 bill. But, with his mother and a neighbor’s encouragement, he knew God loved him. With our Blessed Mother’s help and the encouragement of others, let’s make Lent 2026 a dessert like no other. And, oh, that $20 bill, I’ll save it until after Lent and maybe you can join me for a nice big strawberry sundae. May God be praised…Forever may God be praised! |
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