Introduction
“Be reconciled with God” (2 Corinthians 5: 20) is the clarion call of the Catholic Church all over the world on Ash Wednesday (09 March 2011) that marks the beginning of Lenten Season. According to the ancient Catholic Tradition, it is a beautiful yet sublime Liturgical Season comprising forty days culminating with the Feast of Easter (24 April 2011). During the celebration, children and adults proceed to the altar to receive ashes on their forehead in the shape of a cross. Receiving the ashes is a sign of humility and contrition, recognizing the need for repentance.
The Ash Wednesday Ritual
The distribution of blessed ashes is typically done before the altar and, people will hear the priest say, “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” or “Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you will return.” At this time, the people reflect on how quickly human life can pass. All are reminded of the need for repentance.
Ash Wednesday Readings
The readings for Ash Wednesday offer a number of important images that help the faithful understand the meaning of this experience. The first reading calls us to repentance but also emphasizes that God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in kindness (Joel 2:13). In the second reading, Paul reminds us that the world sees the presence of Christ in the way we act. So, “be reconciled to God today!” (2 Corinthians 5:20-6:1). We are called to be the love and change we wish to see in the world. In the third reading, Jesus reminds us that the sacrifices and prayers called for in Lent are between God and us. It is insincere for us to show off contrite actions to win the praise of others. It would only suffice if others see how our sacrifices and prayers help us love them (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18).
Taking Up the Cross in These 40 Days
Social scientists say it takes 28 days to change a habit. Lent asks us to change more than a habit. We're invited to change our priorities and the focus of our lives. Maybe that's why Lent takes a full 40 days and happens every year. There are other reasons that our Lenten journey lasts 40 days. Throughout the Bible, the number 40 holds special meaning, indicating a span of time when significant events took place. It rained on Noah and his ark for 40 days and 40 nights. Moses spent 40 days and nights with God on Mount Sinai. The Hebrew people spent 40 years wandering in the desert upon their deliverance from slavery to the Promised Land. Jonah gave the city of Nineveh 40 days in which to repent. And Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights.
A Time for Change
Lent is a gift that the Church in her wisdom celebrates every year. It is a gift of time, a gift of contemplation, and a gift of quiet so that we may listen to the Word. It is here Word of God whispers to us to come back to the God who created us. It encourages us to turn away from the noise and the cravings of this world so that we may understand the hunger that can be filled only by prayer, fasting, and giving to the poor. Here we realize that this change is made possible by the mere grace of God.
“Be reconciled with God” (2 Corinthians 5: 20) is the clarion call of the Catholic Church all over the world on Ash Wednesday (09 March 2011) that marks the beginning of Lenten Season. According to the ancient Catholic Tradition, it is a beautiful yet sublime Liturgical Season comprising forty days culminating with the Feast of Easter (24 April 2011). During the celebration, children and adults proceed to the altar to receive ashes on their forehead in the shape of a cross. Receiving the ashes is a sign of humility and contrition, recognizing the need for repentance.
The Ash Wednesday Ritual
The distribution of blessed ashes is typically done before the altar and, people will hear the priest say, “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” or “Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you will return.” At this time, the people reflect on how quickly human life can pass. All are reminded of the need for repentance.
Ash Wednesday Readings
The readings for Ash Wednesday offer a number of important images that help the faithful understand the meaning of this experience. The first reading calls us to repentance but also emphasizes that God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in kindness (Joel 2:13). In the second reading, Paul reminds us that the world sees the presence of Christ in the way we act. So, “be reconciled to God today!” (2 Corinthians 5:20-6:1). We are called to be the love and change we wish to see in the world. In the third reading, Jesus reminds us that the sacrifices and prayers called for in Lent are between God and us. It is insincere for us to show off contrite actions to win the praise of others. It would only suffice if others see how our sacrifices and prayers help us love them (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18).
Taking Up the Cross in These 40 Days
Social scientists say it takes 28 days to change a habit. Lent asks us to change more than a habit. We're invited to change our priorities and the focus of our lives. Maybe that's why Lent takes a full 40 days and happens every year. There are other reasons that our Lenten journey lasts 40 days. Throughout the Bible, the number 40 holds special meaning, indicating a span of time when significant events took place. It rained on Noah and his ark for 40 days and 40 nights. Moses spent 40 days and nights with God on Mount Sinai. The Hebrew people spent 40 years wandering in the desert upon their deliverance from slavery to the Promised Land. Jonah gave the city of Nineveh 40 days in which to repent. And Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights.
A Time for Change
Lent is a gift that the Church in her wisdom celebrates every year. It is a gift of time, a gift of contemplation, and a gift of quiet so that we may listen to the Word. It is here Word of God whispers to us to come back to the God who created us. It encourages us to turn away from the noise and the cravings of this world so that we may understand the hunger that can be filled only by prayer, fasting, and giving to the poor. Here we realize that this change is made possible by the mere grace of God.
Fr. Loyola Antony
St. Joseph Church, Chumukedima
St. Joseph Church, Chumukedima
