CELEBRATE LENT

We begin our Lenten Journey with a cross traced in ashes on the foreheads of all who come to Church on Ash Wednesday as a declaration of the necessity of repentance, of change of heart and of faithfulness to the Gospel values. This journey will end in Baptism and the renunciation of the forces of evil for some and for others a renewal of their baptismal promises.

We are reminded of the reality that each of us is frail and will return to the ground from which we were made. Our health and strength are temporary. Our bodies, sooner or later, will fail us and we will be gathered to our ancestors who have preceded us in death and decay. The cross traced in ash tells us also that our works as well as we ourselves are frail and temporary - buildings of stone and steel are like us who build them, frail and temporary. Ashes direct our attention to the transitory character of created realities - that nothing in this world is permanent; nothing in the world of matter is forever.

The journey that we begin in ashes will take us to the cross. In the cross we will see our sin, our suffering, our death and we meet the one who took away our sins, overcame death in dying for us. The cross tells us that in the love of God nothing is lost.

Lent is an opportunity to check and maintain our integrity as Christians. Lent is an opportunity to check up on our spiritual health and to strengthen our connection to God and to each other. The journey through Lent is a call to walk with Jesus, even pick up the cross and make it to Easter.

Traditionally, Christians all over the world have used the disciplines of Prayer, Penance and Almsgiving as pathways of Lenten Spirituality. They still are wonderful and life-giving disciplines. They bring us closer to God and to God's people. Prayer strengthens our connection to God. Penance builds our character and helps us get rid of unhealthy habits which weaken our ability to love God, others and ourselves. Almsgiving helps us to care for others - to reach out to the less fortunate, the unfortunate, the disadvantaged, the poor, the marginalized and the suffering people in our community and the rest of the world.

Ash Wednesday

Joel 2:12-18 Even now, say the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting and mourning.

Psalm 51Create in me a clean heart, Oh God

2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 We implore you, in Christ's name: Be reconciled to God

Mathew 6:1-6, 16-18 Keep your deeds of mercy secret and your father who sees in secret will repay you.

Now is the acceptable time...   season of transformation is now! Joel proclaims an URGENCY: It is time to sanctify the community. Paul urges (begs) on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God. Jesus urges: purify your motivations, your intentions. It's all about being called again to conversion, holiness, perfection, purification, sanctification, transformation.

Being Steadfast:   Steadfastness means taking time, being patient, persevering and not giving up.

Fr. Gus Tharappel, msfs