Friends, today is Ash Wednesday, so in a special way, we begin the season of Lent and our journey with Christ. This journey will last for about six weeks. Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a significant period of preparation for Easter in the Catholic Church. It is a solemn day that sets the tone for repentance and spiritual reflection. As Christians, we use this time to reflect on our lives, seek forgiveness, and renew our commitment to our faith. On Ash Wednesday, we receive ashes on our foreheads, which are made from blessed palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. These ashes serve as a powerful symbol of our mortality and the need for repentance. They remind us that we are dust and to dust, we shall return. This practice finds its roots in the Scriptures, where ashes were used as a sign of mourning and repentance. During the 40 days of Lent, we are called to turn away from sin and turn towards God. It is a time of self-examination, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Through these spiritual practices, we seek to deepen our relationship with God and grow in holiness. Lent is an opportunity for us to detach ourselves from worldly distractions and focus on what truly matters. The readings call people to turn away from sin and focus on what truly matters. They remind everyone that life is short and that change is possible. Ash Wednesday is an invitation to trust in God, seek mercy, and live with humility. Lord, help me to seek you with a sincere heart. Teach me to fast without pride, to pray with trust, and to give with love. Remind me that life is short and that you are what truly matters. Guide me in this season of Lent.
Friends, our first reading from the prophet Joel is a call to repentance through fasting and abstinence, which are two important characteristics and aspects of Lent. In this reading, the prophet informs us that God is waiting for us to return to him: “Come back to me with all your heart, fasting, weeping and mourning…turn to the Lord your God again for he is all tenderness and compassion.” As a loving father, he is ready to welcome us back if we choose to return to him. However, fasting is an important part of Ash Wednesday. The readings remind people that fasting is not about looking holy or impressing others or losing weight. It is about growing closer to God. When people fast, they let go of distractions and focus on what truly matters. Brothers and sisters, if you fast just to be seen, your sacrifice means nothing. True fasting is done with a humble heart. It is not about seeking praise but about making room for God. Ash Wednesday encourages fasting as a way to turn away from selfishness. Giving up food or other comforts helps people rely on God instead of their own desires. It is a reminder that spiritual needs are greater than physical ones. Fasting is not just about food. It can also mean giving up bad habits or selfish attitudes. Ash Wednesday is a time to look at life and see what needs to change. Today, as ever before, God has extended an invitation to us; he expects us to respond positively.
Friends, in our second reading, Paul encourages us to reconcile with God. He says, “As his fellow workers, we beg you once again not to neglect the grace of God…now is the favorable time, this is, the day of salvation.” How then can we reconcile with God this season? It is by reconciling with our neighbours, brothers, sisters, parents, and children. Ash Wednesday reminds us that life on earth will not last forever. The ashes placed on the forehead are a sign of this truth. The reading calls us to think about what comes after this life and to prepare our hearts. It is a call to stop wasting time on things that do not matter. Earthly things fade away, but a life with God lasts forever. Ash Wednesday is a time to reflect on what is truly important. Brothers and sisters, many of us get caught up in daily worries and forget about our purpose. The reminder of death is not meant to bring fear. It is meant to help people live wisely and with faith. Ash Wednesday invites us to turn back to God while we still have time. Life is short, and no one knows how much time is left. This season, therefore, affords us a great opportunity to rebuild both our relationship with Christ and our neighbours. God is waiting, so we can meet him through the sacrament of confession. This is why this season of Lent, which we begin today, is a season of Grace and Favour.
Friends, the gospel simply shows us the best ways to observe this season of Lent. First, it reminds us of our Christian duties during this period, which include: Prayer, Abstinence, and Charity. These are the means of edifying and strengthening our spiritual lives. However, in order to achieve the best result this Period of Lent, Jesus also gives us three important instructions. So, if we wish to carry out our duties well this Lent, we must bear these instructions in mind throughout this period. The first one is: “Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice.” The second one, “When you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites…pray to your father who is in that secret place.” The last one: “When you fast, do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do…but when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your father who sees all that is done in secret.” This means that since it is our voluntary wish to walk with Christ, we must do it humbly, joyfully, and cheerfully. Therefore, our Prayer, Abstinence, and Charity this period must be done in such a way that God alone will take all the glory. The Lord be with you …. May the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I wish you a fruitful and prayerful Lenten season.
