Bishop’s Ash Wednesday message: What is God asking of you? 

Editor’s Note: Bishop Carl A Kemme issued the following Ash Wednesday message to the faithful of the Diocese of Wichita.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, we enter the sacred season of Lent, beginning with this solemn day of Ash Wednesday. As we receive ashes on our foreheads, we hear the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These words are a powerful reminder of our mortality and our dependence on God. They call us to humility, repentance, and a renewed commitment to walk in the ways of the Lord.

Lent is a season of grace – a time to step back from the busyness of life and examine the state of our hearts. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we are invited to draw closer to God, to grow in holiness, and to renew our love for him and for one another.

Prayer deepens our relationship with the Lord. In these 40 days, I encourage you to spend more time in quiet reflection, in reading scripture, and in participating in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation.

Fasting helps us detach from the things that distract us from God. When we give something up, we make room for something greater – his presence in our lives. And through almsgiving, we turn our hearts toward others, especially those in need, practicing true Christian charity.

I invite you to reflect on this question: What is God asking of me this Lent? Perhaps He is calling you to greater trust, to deeper conversion, or to reconciliation with someone in your life. Whatever it may be, know that he is ready to walk this journey with you.

May this Lenten season be a time of true renewal for all of us, as individuals, as families, and as a diocese. Let us journey together in faith, preparing our hearts for the joy of Christ’s resurrection.

Be assured of my prayers for you, and may God bless you abundantly.