Matthew 6: 1-6,16-18
The Word: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022223.cfm
Over the years as priest, I have been fortunate enough to take a number of “journeys” to some amazing destinations. To Italy, France, Scotland, Ireland, the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, Salzburg, Austria, not to mention family vacations growing up in the Midwest. I have been fortunate to celebrate Mass with our pilgrims at Lourdes, France and in St. Peter Basilica, in Ars with St. John Vianney in spirit, in Poland before the icon of the Black Madonna in Czestochowa, and contemplated the deep level of darkness and evil at Auschwitz extermination camp, etc, etc. Our Catholic faith is a universal one and we are blessed to know that wherever we may find ourselves, we are at home as we worship together. Travel is a powerful education in opening one’s mind and heart to diversity, to varied culture, and to a personal renewal of faith.
As Lent begins, we join together on a journey of personal renewal through the
desert with Our Lord. We are marked with ashes, a reminder of both our
mortality and of the need for penance and personal sacrifice. Whatever that sacrifice may involve it should
be done not for its own sake but for the sake of growing closer to Christ. How does this action, this prayer, this act
of charity towards another bring me closer to Christ?
As ashes are marked on our forehead in the sign of the
cross, or something that resembles such, you will hear the words: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” The
other phrase of: “Remember you are dust
and to dust you will return.” Both call us to conversion, repentance and
remind us that our life is mortal. We
have been created for God and he wants us for himself so why not give ourselves
to him. It will only result in a more meaningful and joyful life.
On Ash Wednesday every year we hear of three traditional
ways through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
If we listen carefully to the readings at Mass, and in particular at
daily Mass if at all possible, we will hear the constant call to a life of
Gospel conversion. Make the sacrifice to
come to daily Mass at least once or twice during the week. Here at this parish, we are offering early
evening Mass twice during the weeks of Lent in order to provide an opportunity those who are not able in the morning. An opportunity for confession is available afterwards or any time.
The scriptures speak to us of mutual forgiveness; of
hardness of heart; of love of enemies; of claims of justice and love over
ritual and cult for we should never be attending Mass to worship ritual but to
give praise and thanks to God. We hear
of our universal call to holiness of life. Any of these themes of Christian
moral living are powerful to reflect on during the Lenten season: What is
keeping me from surrendering to God’s control of my life? What habit in my life is blocking my
spiritual growth such as some sinful behavior, addiction, or resistance?
When is the last time I went to confession? No matter how long it has been, now is the
time to take advantage of this beautiful healing sacrament of God’s mercy. If
Jesus is truly our Savior, we need to acknowledge our need to be saved.
So, may this Lent be a time of true personal
renewal. May the fasting from meat, the
personal prayer times we engage in and the works of charity and forgiveness we
offer but a means to the ultimate end of holiness that God desires for all of
us.
When Holy Week and Easter arrive, we will walk that
journey to the cross with Jesus more willingly, wash each other’s feet with
greater generosity, feed on the holy Eucharist more eagerly, and then share
more deeply in the new life of his resurrection.
Peace and happy Lent!
Grant, O Lord, that we may begin
with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service,
so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils,
we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity
of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
(Collect of Ash Wednesday Mass)
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