Ash Wednesday Spiritual Strength

Joel 2:12-18, 2 Cor. 5:20-6.2, Mt. 6:1-6.16-18. Tracing a sign of the cross made out of ashes on the forehead marks the beginning of Lenten season. This ritual is accompanied by the words: "remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return" (Gen. 3:19). These were the same words God used as He expelled Adam and Eve from the Garden for the sin of disobedience. Obedience is a sign of love and by disobeying they distanced themselves from God and His love. Ashes remind us of our human fragility and transience. As we put ashes on our foreheads today, we want to live Lent as a time of cleansing and holy desire, with some renewal of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We begin this season of grace in a thoughtful spirit. The forty days period of Lent reflects the time Jesus spent in the desert before His public ministry. It is a season of spiritual renewal, meant to help us to have a more authentic style of life. The sign of the cross on our forehead symbolises the regaining of our lost dignity and friendship with God in Jesus. We are called upon to regain the lost graces through a process of repentance and conversion during this season. In today's Gospel, Jesus teaches that repentance and spiritual conversion come through fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Fasting enables us to exercise self-control; prayer places God at the centre; almsgiving focuses on the neighbour in the loving service offered. Self-denial is good for the soul and body because it develops self-control and self-discipline. Prayer has great power and it brings God’s grace which empowers us to resist evil and do good. Almsgiving enables us to meet God in our neighbour through compassion and service. Let the words of the prophet Joel in today's first reading guide our spiritual journey during this Lent: “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning for your sins…” May the Lord grant us the spirit of self-denial and move us to help others in their needs! Amen!! Good morning and have a spirit filled Lenten season!!!