ASH WEDNESDAY

Joel 2:12-18

Psalm 51

2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2

Matthew 6:1-6.16-18

ASH WEDNESDAY

Today marks the beginning of 40 days journey: the Lenten Season. Lent is a period of spiritual discipline and conversion, which culminates in the celebration of the Holy Week. In his merciful love, God calls us to return to him. For He is tenderness and compassion, slow in anger and rich in love (Joel 2:12-18). For St Paul, this is the favourable time; this is the day of salvation. We must be reconciled with God and open ourselves to his grace (1Co. 5:20-6:2). In the gospel reading, the three traditional practices are presented to us: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. These must be done in discretion, for God who sees all that is done in secret will reward us (Matt. 6:1-6.16-18).

Moreover, today’s liturgy is marked by the blessing and giving of ashes. In effect, in the Old Testament ashes signify remorse for sins and repentance. To cover oneself with ashes was the external expression of repentance and conversion: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” They are also symbol of man’s nothingness, frailty and mortality: “Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you shall return.” They are also expression of man’s sorrow in the midst of suffering but also of hope in God’s mercy.

In chemistry too, ashes are signs that an irreversible change of chemical has taken place. Thus, we must change for the better, change our sinful ways of life and put on the new self, created in the image of Christ (Eph. 4:24). Besides, ashes are used as fertilizers in agriculture. Meanwhile, fertilizers are symbol of growth. This way, the Lenten season is an opportunity for us to grow in our relationship with the Lord and bear abundant fruit. We must nourish our souls with prayer, meditation on the Word of God, and with the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession. 

Finally, ashes are used in washing or cleansing utensils. These domestic usages remind us of our need to cleanse ourselves from our sins: “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Ps 51:2). Let us, therefore, make use of the Sacrament of confession to avail ourselves to the abundant mercy and forgiveness of God. May the Lord bless and keep all of us. Amen 

I wish you all a fruitful Lenten Season.