By Thomas T, IVD –
Readings: Joel 2: 12-18; 2 Cor 5: 20 – 6:2; Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18
Today we observe Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten preparation for Easter. Today the readings are inviting us to prepare ourselves adequately to celebrate the new life with Jesus on the Easter morning. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are the three pillars of the Lenten season that we need to observe with faithfulness and complete trust.
In the first reading, Prophet Joel reminds us to mourn and repent for our sins and seek forgiveness from the Almighty to change our hearts. So, Lenten season is a call to conversion of heart. Jesus teaches us the benefits of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. God loves us unconditionally even when we gradually or fully fail to show our love for him.
Our external world gets transformed when we change our interior world. Jesus insists on the transformation within our own self. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are the true expressions of Christian faith to be inculcated in our life practically. These private practices will deepen our intimacy relationship with God through the person of Jesus.