Editor������Ƶapp note: over the coming weeks, Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB, will offer a series of biblical reflections on Lent.

On Ash Wednesday the Church begins her great Lenten journey with Jesus on the road to Jerusalem. For centuries, Lent has been a very intense spiritual journey and experience for the followers of Jesus Christ.

We’re told in song that this is “the season to be jolly.” Yet, it������Ƶapp ironic that, like many occasions when we should be most happy — planning a wedding, moving to a new home, bringing a new baby home for the first time, the first day of a dream job — Christmas brings plenty of stress.