17 February 2021
Ash Wednesday
Today marks the beginning of Lent. Despite the purple vestments, covered statues and the stations of the cross, it is a season of joy, for it points to Easter. In today’s Gospel the Lord instructs me how I should celebrate the 40 days that follow: preform the acts of a believer without fanfare.
He invites me to share in a more caring way the gifts I have, especially with those who have need; to put aside pleasures that I can forego in order to receive better what He wants to give me. He invites me to say extra prayers, especially for those who suffer.
In the 1st reading the prophet Joel gives me similar advice. His call is for conversion. That’s the theme for Lent. In order to put conversion into practice, I should first turn away from those things, persons and places that are obstacles to my closer union with God, and because I am a sinner, I shall make an effort be reconciled with Him and grow closer to those with whom I deal each day.
During these 40 days, I’ll pray often quick aspirations to the Blessed Virgin, asking her to be my guide in discerning the promptings of the Holy Spirit, who brings the joys of Easter.