Pastoral Ponderings - February 19, 2026

I am writing these “Ponderings” on Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Lenten Season.  I reminded the waitress at breakfast this morning that this was the first day of Lent, and she asked me what I was going to give up or abstain from during this Lenten Season.  I quickly responded, “Snow”!

She reminds us that the tradition of the faithful during Lent is to give up something, or abstain from something.  In the spirit of ecumenism, I would like to quote what Pope Leo XIV suggests as we enter the Lenten Season:

“I would like to invite you to a practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor.  Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves.”

All flippancy aside, in a time of increasing division, animosity and brokenness, I am deeply touched by the Pope’s words as we begin this Season of Lent.  This is a form of abstinence that I can endorse, support and follow.  And I invite you all to reflect on the Pope’s words as we enter the 40 days before Easter.

May you be blessed this Lenten Season.

Dale Johnson