On February 14th, the Church enters
into the Holy Season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. Lent is our 40 day
journey, preparing ourselves for Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the
greatest of all feasts, The Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ
(Easter). It is during this time of prayer and fasting that we are
called to come closer to the God who loves us, and redeemed us
through the blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross. We are to be
reconciled to God!
As you approach the priest or deacon for your
ashes, you will hear one of two phrases, “Repent, and believe in
the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall
return.” We are being reminded of our complete dependence on God,
and that He should be the center of our lives.
In the first reading for mass on Ash Wednesday
from the prophet Joel, we hear, “...return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God...” (Joel 2:12-13) Joel is reminding us that God is
deserving of our love and devotion. God is calling us into a loving
relationship.
In our gospel reading for Ash Wednesday, Jesus is
reminding us to not “perform our righteous deeds in order that other people may see them...” (Matthew 6:1). Jesus goes on to
indicate that in all we do, whether it’s righteous deeds, fasting,
or praying, do it for the right reason: to enter into a deeper
relationship with God. We are not doing these things for the approval
of others, but rather out of love for God.
As we journey through Lent, I would like to
suggest that you read scripture more often. If possible, take time
out of the day to read the scripture readings that are assigned for
daily mass. The magazine, The Magnificat, is a good tool to use for
the reading of he Daily Mass Readings. Further, if you are able, try
to attend weekday mass in addition to Sunday Mass. This way you will
have more opportunity to receive our Lord in Holy Communion.
Finally, during Lent, make time to go to
confession. It is through this Sacrament that we are reconciled to
God and to those in our lives that we may feel separated from.
Have a good and prayerful Lent.
