As we look about us, we notice tiny signs of new life breaking through the hard crust of winter earth. Within us too there is the seed of new life planted at baptism. Lent is an invitation to renew our commitment to these baptismal promises. The purpose of our Lenten observances is to create conditions which make it possible for Christ’s life to blossom in us. Anything that chokes that life needs to be uprooted so that Jesus may be visible in us giving new life and hope to those around us.

(From Scripture in Church for Ash Wednesday 2021 by a Dominican Nun)