Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:12–18; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16–18
Ash Wednesday is the day that marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that prepares Christians for Easter. On this day, ashes made from blessed palm branches are placed on our foreheads in the shape of a cross, with the words “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”
By receiving ashes, we admit our need for God and commit ourselves to a deeper, more sincere Christian life during Lent.
Today’s gospel is centered on worship. Jesus reminds us that the hallmarks of genuine worship are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Hence, He warns his disciples not to indulge in any form of display so as to attract the admiration of others.
Sadly, church life today is almost all about display and applause. With cameras always rolling in every single acts of charity, prayer and worship. Thereby turning devotion into performance, and believers into actors, instead of witnesses. This is another opportunity for conversion.
Fasting and other works of piety are directed towards God, not man. Do not try to impress men; seek to please God. Let’s desist from mere external display, pretense, drama, and self-righteousness. In the second reading, Paul calls us ambassadors of Christ; as ambassadors, we should not live a life contrary to the gospel.
Worship goes with fasting. In this sense, we can talk about abstinence. During this period, abstinence is encouraged. There are those who abstain from meat, food or alcohol. But essentially, we are to abstain from sin and hypocrisy.
Joel presents us with a message of hope in the first reading. He says God is tender-hearted, compassionate, slow to anger, rich in graciousness, and ready to relent. If we are ready to change, God is ready to welcome us. Strive for a better life. Don’t be quick to anger, when God is slow to anger.
Prayer
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. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
