The following is in the Catholic Missal for Ash Wednesday I received on another list. It's been translated from Spanish. -------------------------------------------- If we were automobiles, Lent would be the time to change the oil and get a tune-up.

If we were gardens, Lent would be the time to fertilize soil and pull weeds.

If we were rugs, Lent would be the time to give ourselves a good vacuuming or shaking out or even a beating.

If we were batteries, Lent would be the time to recharge.

But we aren't any of these things.

- We are people who, many times, have done wrong and need to repent; thus the need to *make a good confession.*

- We are people who many times get carried away with selfishness and so need to start thinking of others; thus the need for *alms.*

- We are people who often lose sight of purpose for which we were created by God. We need, therefore, to recover our sight. Thus the need for *prayer.*

This is why we celebrate Lent.

Ninure Saunders