Word to the Wise
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 - Ash Wednesday
[Joel 2:12-18 and 2 Cor 5:20-6:2 and Matt 6:1-6, 16-18]Even now, says the Lord, 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] We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. [2 Corinthians]
Lent is a challenge on many fronts. The ashes we receive today are a reminder of our humanity. The minister of the ashes on the many foreheads has the option of saying, "Remember you are dust, and unto dust you shall return!" OR "Repent and believe in the gospel!" Both of those phrases focus on the interior disposition of the recipient! But Lent is a time of preparation for the celebration of the events of Holy Week as well - a preparation that takes into account the whole life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lenten penance is meant to help us get in shape not just interiorly but exteriorly as well.
For example, we may take the time to examine how we treat people. How forgiving are we? Do we share the forgiveness and reconciliation we receive sacramentally with those whom we encounter on all levels of life? This can be a very penitential exercise. What about all the "stuff" we surround ourselves with in an effort to provide some kind comfort and security? How good are we at sharing? These kinds of questions direct us beyond ourselves to our neighbor. In short, does whatever penitential practice we adopt for Lent have any impact on our love of God and neighbor? Does giving up a treat of some kind for 40 days help with that? What can we "do" for Lent that will help us and our neighbor not just for this Lent but for the long run? AMEN
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