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Ash Wednesday is one of the principal holy days of the Western Church for Catholics, Anglicans, Episcopalians and Lutherans. It marks the beginning of the season of Lent and commemorates the 40 days when Jesus fasted in the desert in atonement for sins. It concludes on Maundy Thursday, the day he was handed over and consequently crucified on Good Friday.

In his homily, the Rev. Eugene Gunning, visiting priest at the 12:15 Mass at San Marco, harkened congregants to center their thoughts sacrificially throughout Lent on Easter, the culmination of God’s grace.

“Out of 365 days, we are called to be penitent and purposeful for just 40 of them,” he reminded, while illuminating the three moments that comprise the Salvation Story: the moment God began creation; Mary’s miraculous “Yes” in answer to the fulfillment of God’s plan through His son, Jesus Christ; and lastly, the first stirring of Jesus in the tomb when he rises from the dead, glorious and triumphant on Easter Sunday.

“What are we going to do to prepare, to participate in this great moment?” Fr. Gunning asked. “This is my prayer as we begin our journey of the 40 days. That we will do it with great love.”