Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Complementary Reading: Isaiah 58:1-12
Psalm 103
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
The Church year began with the season of Advent, bringing the Good News of the coming of Christ, Messiah of the heart. Advent teaches us to wait patiently for Christ to come, and to seek God in places we would never expect to find Him.
And then it happens – the Good News of great joy arrives, then as now, into the world and into our own hearts. We call it Christmas, a season that repeats itself every time someone opens his or her soul to let Christ in, only to discover that he was there all along.
The Epiphany season then revealed to us the purpose, intent and expanse of the Good News. It's to be for everyone, everywhere, throughout time and space. It's a message of love, mercy, compassion, and unity – we are all part of the same family, all children of God; we are to love Him, each other, and ourselves.
So far, then, we have heard the announcement of his coming, we have witnessed it happen, and we have been told what it all means. Now the question before us is, "What are you going to do about it?"
Ash Wednesday is the call for us to consider this question. It brings us back to the very basic facts that we all have to face in our lives: Do we truly understand that we are spiritual beings, guests in a house of dust and ashes, created by a loving God, here to understand love and life, and follow the example He gave to us through His Son? Do we really what to know, love, and serve this God in our own unique way, using whatever gifts, interest and talents we have been given?
Did we really hear the "Follow me" in Epiphany?
The readings for this day provide us with some of the tools we'll need on the Lenten journey to answer this question, and other questions we have laid before ourselves this season. These tools are designed to prepare our hearts and minds to reflect on our spiritual journey, and receive the loving Presence of God.
The first of these important tools is found in the reading according to the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus talks about almsgiving. Of course, helping those in need is a basic tenant of the Good News message. But here the lesson is to approach the Lenten season with humility, setting aside all pretense or self-abasement. Baggage from the past or worry about the future discolors our perception o God's Presence. We leave the past to God's mercy, and the future to His providence, entering this season with a truly open mind and heart, free of any encumbrances.
Lent is also a time of prayer, of talking with God, and making sure we listen to what He offers us. This is best done alone with Him, in secret. So spend time in prayer, meditation and contemplation, alone with God, soaking up His company and feeling His love. "Whenever you pray," advises Jesus, "go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father in secret..." (All this doesn’t exclude corporate worship and prayer, of course!)
Fasting is also mentioned, not only to drive home the point about humility, but also to help us remove things that get in our way of discerning God's love for us. Many people give up certain foods for Lent, like Chocolate (a tough one for me!), or will watch less television. But how about giving up things like worry, fear, or uncertainty? Lent is a good time to practice trusting God in our lives – do we really believe that "all will be well"?
Let us also remember the strength of God, and His love for us. The message in Psalm 103 is that the mercy of the Lord is everlasting. He knows us, and He remembers that we are like dust; our days are numbered here and this life on earth is not easy. Because of this, He is slow to anger, and "plenteous in mercy." Isaiah writes, "The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail."
I pray that your Lenten season will renew your bonds with God and with your fellow neighbor, and that you will enter the Easter season with a deeper sense of hope, faith and love.
Reflection Questions
1. How will you make the most of this Lenten season?
2. What do you need to hear from God about your life?
3. Can you believe that God really loves you?
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