Readings: Joel 2:12-18; 2 Cor. 5:20-6:2; Mt. 6:1-6, 16-18
Remember that You
are Dust, and to Dust You Shall Return
1. Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent. You have heard me say many times that we must ‘question our beliefs and challenge our assumptions.’ Since last year with Covid-19 in our midst, we have constantly questioned our beliefs and challenged our assumptions in the celebration of the Church’s liturgy. We have adapted to our new normal and applied ourselves to new ways of doing things and new ways to worship God. Until we see an end of Covid-19 virus, we must continue to worship God in whatever way we can, bearing in mind our mortality, and the need to turn to God at all times. This is what this season calls for. God is merciful; scripture tells us: “You are merciful to all, O Lord, and despise nothing that you have made. You overlook people’s sins, to bring them to repentance, and you spare them, for you are the Lord our God.” (Wis.11:24,25,27).
2. As ashes are applied on our foreheads, we are reminded that ‘We are dust and to dust we shall return.’ These same words will be pronounced by the priest as he pours sand on our coffin on the day of burial. A reminder that our circle of life on earth is over and a new life has begun with God. The second option on the application of ashes is ‘Repent and believe in the Gospel.’ This theme is heard loud and clear in the first reading. “Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole hearts, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment.” (Joel 2:12-13). The Catechism of the Catholic Church, however, warns that “Jesus’ call to conversion and penance, like that of the prophets before him, does not aim first at outward works, “sackcloth and ashes,” fasting and mortification, but at the conversion of the heart interior conversion. Without this, such penances remain sterile and false; however, interior conversion urges expression in visible signs gestures and works of penance.” (CCC. 1430). It continues “Interior repentance is a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart, an end of sin, a turning away from evil, with repugnance toward the evil actions we have committed. At the same time it entails the desire and resolution to change one’s life, with hope in God’s mercy and trust in the help of his grace.” (1431). When we sin, we turn away from God the creator to the created, thereby falling into the sin of Adam and Eve, choosing our ways over God’s ways. The Psalmist admits, “For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always: “Against you only have I sinned; and done what is evil in your sight.” (PS. 51:5-6).
3. The Second Vatican Council reminds us that “Lenten penance should not only be internal and individual but also external and social, that it should be suitable to the present time…” Hence the Church calls us to fast from food and abstain from meat and other things that we indulge in in memory of the passion and death of Christ. “Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The law of abstinence prohibits the eating of meat, but eggs, milk products, and sauces made from animal fats may be eaten, as may fish and all cold-blooded animals (e.g., frogs, clams, turtles). The law of the fast means that only one full meal may be taken during the day; two light meals are permitted in accord with local custom as to the amount and kind of food. The consumption of solid food between meals is prohibited, but liquids may be taken at any time. The law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year of age. The law of fasting, however, binds all those who have attained their majority until the beginning of their sixtieth year.” (Canon 1250-1252).
4. As we begin this season of grace, we must take stock of our life. What we are to fast from or give up depends on our willingness to embrace the life of grace with the help of God. Three things we must observe: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Prayer brings us to the presence of God as we raise our minds and hearts to him. By fasting, we identify with the suffering humanity while almsgiving enables us to help them with our gifts. Pope Francis reminds us to fast thus: Fast from hurting words and say kind words. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude; fast from anger and be filled with patience; fast from pessimism and be filled with hope; fast from worries and have trust in God; fast from complaints; contemplate simplicity; fast from pressures and be prayerful; fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy; fast from selfishness and be compassionate; fast from grudges and be reconciled; fast from words; be silent and listen. Finally support any charity of your choice. Give to Joyful in Hope, 2021 annual appeal for Catholic ministries. Our goal is $7,035.00. Please be among the 47 parishioners needed to pledge and pay $150.00 so that we may reach our goal. This too is a wonderful way to celebrate the season of Lent. May you receive the grace of this season. Amen.
Rev. Augustine
Etemma Inwang, MSP
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