On this Ash Wednesday, we are called to return our hearts to
the Lord in a very real way. The first reading from Mass reminds us that now is
the right time: “Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart” (Joel
2:12). The prophet exhorts us to “rend our hearts,” and not our clothes as our
ancestors did —he tells us to think deeply and examine our lives. We must rebuke
ourselves, our decisions, and mourn all the times we have turned away from God and
our neighbor.
This Lent, we consider how we can “rend out hearts” and
repair those relationships over these 40 days.
·
What are we giving up as a sacrifice to the
Lord? How does that “giving up” allow us to better spend our time, talent, and
treasure?
·
What will we take on? How can we be more
diligent in our prayer life? How can we be more intentional in service to the
poor?
·
Where do we make our alms? What can we do with
our material and monetary means to help those who are in greatest need?
Spending time before the Blessed Sacrament is a beautiful
way to consider these options. How we live out the grace God has bestowed upon
us is exactly the way that we come back into communion with Him. As we deepen
our relationship with God, we are reminded of the guidance that St. Paul gives to
the people of Corinth: “not to receive the grace of God in vain” and must
become Ambassadors for Christ in how we live out our vocation (2 Cor 5:20 and
6:1).
Jesus cautions us in the Gospel to not be loud or visible in
our fasting, prayer, and almsgiving (Matthew 6), but rather to do it in a way
that allows the light and love of Christ to shine through for others. In a way,
the silence we participate in this Lent will enable us to grow closer to the
Word—and live out its meaning.
May our Lent be a source of beauty, of love, and enable us
to re-connect and deepen our relationship with our Creator, the source of All.
By our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we can have a heart that is not
hardened against the world, but be better prepared for our journey toward the Heavenly
Kingdom to come.
Amen.
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