Readings: Joel 2:12-18; 2Cor. 5:20-6:2; Matt. 6:1-6,
16-18
Today is Ash Wednesday. It is an important day in
the life of every Christian because of its significant place as the first day
of lent- a period of spiritual experience that leads to transformation. It is called “Ash Wednesday” because it is a
day we are reminded once more that we are ash and unto ash shall we return. Hence
the practice of applying ashes on the foreheads as a sign of remorse and a
symbol of vanity of all earthly ambition. The central message of today is repentance.
The prophet Joel calls for an honest and whole hearted repentance in the 1st
reading. The Greek word for repentance is metanoia.
Therefore, lent is a period of turning a new leaf by collaborating with the
grace of God and making conscious effort. St. Paul calls today in the 2nd
reading “…the acceptable time…the day of salvation.”
WHY LENT IS A FORTY (40) DAYS
JOURNEY. You might be wondering why Lenten period lasts
for 40 days. The number forty is symbolic in the bible. It represents a period
of rebirth and regeneration as typified by the great flood during the time of
Noah that lasted for forty days and forty nights (Gen. 7:4). The number forty also
denotes a period of preparation, penance and trial. Moses
was on Mount Sinai twice with God for forty days and forty nights to receive the
Law (Ex. 34:28). Twelve spies investigated the Promised Land for forty days (Num.
13:25). Forty stripes was the maximum whipping penalty (Deuteronomy 25:3). Elijah walked for forty days and forty nights until
he reached Mount Horeb (1st Kg. 19:8). Jonah preached that the
Ninevites had to repent in forty days or Nineveh will be destroyed (Jon. 3:4).
Ezekiel leaned on his right side for 40 days to atone for the 40 years of Judah's
transgression (Ezekiel 4:6). Other instances abound in the bible.
JOURNEY. You might be wondering why Lenten period lasts
for 40 days. The number forty is symbolic in the bible. It represents a period
of rebirth and regeneration as typified by the great flood during the time of
Noah that lasted for forty days and forty nights (Gen. 7:4). The number forty also
denotes a period of preparation, penance and trial. Moses
was on Mount Sinai twice with God for forty days and forty nights to receive the
Law (Ex. 34:28). Twelve spies investigated the Promised Land for forty days (Num.
13:25). Forty stripes was the maximum whipping penalty (Deuteronomy 25:3). Elijah walked for forty days and forty nights until
he reached Mount Horeb (1st Kg. 19:8). Jonah preached that the
Ninevites had to repent in forty days or Nineveh will be destroyed (Jon. 3:4).
Ezekiel leaned on his right side for 40 days to atone for the 40 years of Judah's
transgression (Ezekiel 4:6). Other instances abound in the bible.
Jesus fasted and prayed for forty days and
forty nights to prepare for his ministry, after which he conquered temptation
from the devil. Therefore, let us join him in this forty days of spiritual
fortification, hoping to emerge victorious like him at the end.
THREE
TO THINGS TO MAKE THE BEST OUT OF LENT.
PRAYER:
Do not neglect your daily prayer. Pray in season and out of season (Luke 18:1).
Pray for the church, for your family, for your friends and even your enemies.
Pray for holiness of life and for conversion of sinners. We have a lot to pray
for.
FASTING:
Fast as much as you can, it gives spiritual strength. You can fast from a lot of
things: food, drinks, laziness, anger, lust, noise, etc. Fasting means giving
up something you cherish so much in atonement for sins and for spiritual
revitalization.
ALMSGIVING:
Almsgiving is our duty towards the poor and the less privileged. It is a pious
act which attracts remission of sins. Give and give until it hurts you (Blessed
Teresa of Calcutta). We can never give enough. Share your food, clothes, accommodation,
money, etc to those who don’t have. Remember the beggars, the lunatics and the destitute
in the streets. Let them be part of your charity packages.
Finally,
we can make the best out lent if these observances are motivated by God’s love
and not by earthly rewards. Join me in the daily reflection which serves as
food for the forty days journey. As we journey on, some practical tips on how
to fight temptation and healing the wounds of sin for a fruitful lent shall be
presented to us. WELCOME TO LENT. I WISH YOU GOD’S GRACE.
