Rejecting the challenge of religious leaders to give them a sign, Jesus left by boat for another shore. The Lord warned the Disciples about “the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod”—people focused on raising their own esteem. Jesus tried to prepare the Disciples for the impending suffering and death that He would willingly endure for sinners. Ash Wednesday begins a time of focus on repentance—the desire to change for the better. In the Old Testament, Isaiah broadly described fasting as removing burdens, sharing food and shelter with the hungry and homeless, and providing clothing to people in need. Jesus promised that the heavenly Father notices and rewards good works, fasting, and prayer. In choosing Lenten observances, do we consider the spiritual improvement that we hope to celebrate on Easter?