Word to the Wise
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - Ash Wednesday
[Joel 2:12-18 and 2 Cor 5:20-6:2 and Matt 6:1-6, 16-18]We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. [2 Corinthians]
It's a common "Catholic" question. What are you "doing" or "giving up" for Lent? I would bet that very few would answer the question by saying, "I'm going to be an ambassador for Christ." or "I'm not 'giving up something,' I'm 'taking up' something!" St. Paul's words seem to me to offer a more positive Lenten observance than imposing a chocolate fast (Sunday's don't count!) or avoiding movies. Why not "take up" doing something that we would not ordinarily do that can benefit others? I don't mean just going to Mass every day in Lent (as good as that can be for the person who does it). I mean being an "ambassador for Christ." Pope Francis uses the term "missionary disciple."
This is what the "new evangelization" that Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis are talking about. It is not really a matter of making converts from other faiths. It is a matter of converting other Catholics! Yes, we can do acts of penance during Lent, but those acts do not necessarily impact anyone else. Perhaps we can invite someone to join us in attending daily Mass. Perhaps we can volunteer at the food bank or soup kitchen. Time is one of the most valuable commodities in our power. Why not give some of that time to something that will help others and thereby actually become an "ambassador for Christ." It may not be the Lent that most of us are used to. In fact, we may even become a different person by trying it. And that is what conversion is all about. AMEN
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