THE MOMENT OF GRACE.
The Lenten season is a moment of grace that God a given to us through his Church. It is a sober moment that calls for a pause and a reflection on what is the essence of life. It is a period to know life is nothing with God. Hence, the slogans of Lent are: “remember that dust and to dust, you shall return”, or “repent and believe in the Gospel”.
This conversion call is anchored not on an external display of repentance and sorrows for our sins, wrongdoings, or errors committed due to human frailties and weaknesses. Or as an external display of the putting of sackcloth and ashes on our forehead or head. One of the biblical traditions of the mark of repentance, contrition, and sorrow for one´s sins, (Jonah 3:6 or Job 42:6).
It is not enough to abhor sins during Lenten season. We are called to humble admittance of our sins and a radical change of heart to not be sorry alone but to do good and practice virtues. Therefore, during Lent we are called to certain observances: like prayer, fasting and almsgiving to strengthen our will to fight, resist and overcome the evil inherent in us.
OUR THEME
The traditional readings of this celebration invite us to repentance. A radical and total change of heart. They also encouraged us to take advantage of the opportune moment of God´s grace and be reconciled with Him, others, and ourselves.
Equally, the readings call us to do some Lenten observances in forms of prayer, fasting, and abstinence, as well as charity acts.
FIRST READING JOEL 2:12-18
The prophet calls all to conversion: elderly, adults, youth, children and infants to seek the merciful face of God. As well as challenging the community to turn back to the Lord, fasting and asking for mercy. The Psalm and the psalmist invite us to plead with God to have mercy on us, for we have sinned against his grace, goodness, and mercy.
SECOND READING 2 CORINTHIANS 5:20 TO 6:2
Paul’s message is clear: now is the moment of grace and a time to be reconciled to God. As penitent souls we should take advantage of God´s opportune moment of grace to be reconciled with Him, our brothers and sisters, and ourselves.
THE GOSPEL MATTHEW 6:1-6, 16-18
Jesus invites his followers to be converted of hearts. Sternly, warning them against ‘making a show of themselves’ as Christianity or religious life is not externalities. Christian spirituality aims at inner or internal transformation or renewal.
Lent invites to the 3Rs of Repentance, Reconciliation and Renewal. Repentance from sins because sins are the root of our unhappiness and miseries. It separates us from God, others, and ourselves.
Reconciliation as we are encouraged to amend our relationship with God, others and ourselves. The lack of harmony in our lives and existence is the lack of peace and tranquillity in us and around us.
Renewal to be better than we were before in God´s abundant mercy, grace and love. These 40 plus days is a moment of transformation through Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, abstinence, and the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
It is very important to note that these disciplines are not easy to come by. That is why Lent is a struggle to pray, to fast, and to be attached and charitable. Especially, prayer as we live in a time of many worries, anxieties, and difficulties due to the virus.
However, our strength to carry us through this crisis is in prayer. Though praying is a habit we all cultivated but hardly stick with us like every other habit we pick with time. Therefore, we need extra effort to strive in prayer.
OUR PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, today as we begin the journey of penance and reflection that will bring us to the celebration of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus at Easter time. Give us the grace to keep Lenten observances faithfully. Amen!
THE BLESSING OF THE ASHES AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DAY
The priest dipping his thumb into ashes (collected from burnt palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday), marks the forehead of each with the sign of the cross, saying the words, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” By marking the sign of the cross with ashes on the foreheads of her children, the Church gives us:
1- A firm conviction that a) we are mortal beings, b) our bodies will become dust when buried and ashes if cremated, and c) our lifespan is very brief and unpredictable.
2- A strong warning that we will suffer eternal miseries if we do not repent of our sins and do penance; and
3- A loving invitation to realize and acknowledge our sinful condition and return to our loving and forgiving God with true repentance as the prodigal son did.
FASTING AND ABSTINENCE FOR LENT
- Everyone 14 years of age or older is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and GOOD FRIDAY and all the Fridays in Lent including where it is possible.
- Everyone 18 years of age and under 60 years of age is bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and other days of Lenten season especially Wednesdays or Fridays of Lent. When there is no serious underlying medical problem or hard working conditions.
- On these two days of fast and abstinence-only one full, a meatless meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal one full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted on these two days, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices, are allowed. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige.
- To disregard completely the law of fast and abstinence is a serious matter.
- Going to Mass every Sunday, doing acts of charity, forgiveness, and good deeds of virtue are obligations of the daily life of Catholics especially during Lent.
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