Lent Begins

Lustra sex qui iam peracta
tempus implens corporis
se volente, natus ad hoc
passioni deditus
agnus in crucis levatur
immolandus stipite.

Thirty years among us dwelling
His appointed time fulfilled,
Born for this, He meets His Passion
For that - this He freely willed
On the Cross the Lamb is lifted
Where His life-blood shall be spilled.

Natus ad hoc - Born for this...to live like us in everything but sin, to suffer and die, to redeem mankind, and to offer the hope of eternal Glory.

It seems like Christmas is just passed, and already Lent begins. Ashes for my forehead to remind me: "Remember man that though art dust, and to dust you will return."

Isaiah 50 (5th Century B.C.)
Just as there were many who were appalled at him - his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness ... he was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering ... surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows ... he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him... after the suffering of his soul he will see the light of life and be satisfied...