Human dignity in its fullest recognizes humanity as made in the image and likeness of God.
We get ourselves prepared for many things. We prepare to face the outside cold with a coat and possibly gloves and a hat. We prepare ourselves for going to work. We prepare ourselves as best as we can sometimes. However, sometimes we do not prepare ourselves and we either do not get as much as we could or we get hurt. Going outside without a coat can get ourselves hurt. You could have more fun outside if you prepare yourself properly.
So, let’s prepare ourselves. Well, let’s at least get prepared for the preparation. Wait … what? Lent is starting soon. It prepares us for Easter. And such a preparation needs some preparation itself. We need to get ourselves in the right state-of-mind. We should not get shocked when Ash Wednesday is here. So, take a little time and decide on a penance. Think of something you may want to add to your spiritual life as well.
We should prepare ourselves properly for Easter and every Mass, since each and every Mass is a celebration of Easter. If we are not properly prepared, we will be like a little kid trying to drink from a firehose. If we do properly prepare ourselves, we will have the tools to get a drink from the spiritual firehose that is the Mass.