"Repent, and believe in the Gospel."
While that secular holiday may have a very personal place in the life of many, it has nothing to do with Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. There is nothing especially romantic about ashes! So, I've recommended to couples they go out on the 13th, reservations likely easier, or the 15th. No point in giving chocolates on the 14th since you can't eat them anyway due to the Lenten fast and abstinence requirement for that day. Yet, fear not. Next year Ash Wednesday is not until March 5th with Easter in later April, everything shifts to about three weeks later next year.
We enter this annual holy and graced season this Wednesday in the same spirit as our fellow Christians have done for centuries going back to the early Church. While prayer and fasting remains an ancient and constant practice of self-discipline in both Christian, Jewish, Moslem and religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism, for us it holds particular significance in light of the focus on our participation in the passion, death and resurrection of Christ as we anticipate that joyful season in about six weeks.
Common to all of these religions is the universal theme of self transformation. While there may be different perspectives on that important way, for us Christians it is centered both on our moral conversion and on our spiritual openness to rid ourselves of sin and sinful attachments in order to make room for all that is holy and transformative in the way Jesus Christ has presented to us. It is essentially a way of Gospel conversion.
From the Ordo (a small book used daily by priests as a liturgical and prayer guide for the Church year), Lent has two parts. The scripture readings of the first three weeks center around our need to begin anew by fasting, prayer, and almsgiving and the universal call to holiness of life. Meaning, how am I doing on the way of a disciple of Jesus? Does my life, both private and public, reflect the way Christ has shown me?
The readings for the second half of Lent, taken from the Gospel of John, present Jesus as the healer and life giver and as the one who confronted death in order that we might live. One part is centered more on our ethical and moral examination and the second half remains centered on Christ himself as the one who sets us free and brings us the good news of God's love. As the Ordo states: "John presents Jesus as the Savior, but Jesus can only save those who know their need for salvation. Confronted with our sickness and powerlessness, we pray for our salvation."
I personally find that both daunting and joyful. It's not easy to admit that I may not be as decent as I think I am, at least not completely, and that maybe its more my pride or stubborn unwillingness to acknowledge that I am in need of a savior, I cannot save myself. Only the grace of God which is pure gift can bring me to this point.
So Lent, at least to me, may seem somewhat tedious at times due to the lack of a "feel good" moment. There is a tangible focus on my imperfections yet also balanced by knowing that God knows we are not perfect. Any sincere struggle with sin coupled with a deep desire to stay centered on Christ, despite those time when I fall, I think is seen by God as a path to holiness. This is why the cross is seen as the "trade mark" or the "brand" of Christianity.
Nothing good ever came about without a death and a resurrection. As enter this holy season, let's not become so self-centered with some sort of navel gazing attitude but rather recognize the goodness of all around us and with grateful hearts, support one another in our common call to live better Christ centered lives. Take advantage of what your parish may be offering this Lent as special Lenten prayer practices such as stations of the cross and going to confession regardless of how long it has been. Why not attend daily Mass one or two days each week, etc.
"We adore you O Christ and we bless you,
because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world"
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