Readings: Joel 2:12-18, Ps. 51:3-6,12-14,17, 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2, Matthew 6:1-6,16-18
“Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” (Joel 2:12-13)
Every year, the voice of the Prophet Joel ushers us into the season of Lent with a beautiful message of hope that begins with two powerful words: “EVEN NOW”. If you are alive today and can read or listen to this message, God has given you another chance. *It is not too late to return with all your heart to God*. In our second reading, Saint Paul adds: “Now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Procrastination, they say, is the thief of time.
Never keep until tomorrow whatever good you can do today because you do not know what day will be your last day on earth. This fact is symbolised by the ashes we receive today. *“Remember that you are dust, and unto dust, you shall return.”* Ashes remind us of our death, the fact that one day, we shall become dust, and the fact that we profit nothing if we gain the world and lose our souls.
Make the most of this Lent; apply yourself fully to all the spiritual exercises with sincerity and a genuine purpose. Do not show off. Joel says: *“Rend your heart, not your garments.”* Jesus warns: “Beware of practising your piety before men to be seen by them; for you will have no reward in heaven.”
During this Lenten season, the church offers us certain great keys to aid our return to God. These include prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Fasting helps discipline the flesh and put its desires in check, but prayer must accompany it. If we must fast, whatever is saved should be for the benefit of the hungry. In other words, *fasting and prayer must go with charity (almsgiving).*
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant me the grace of genuine repentance. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Ash Wednesday. Bible Study: Joel 2:12-18, Ps. 51:3-6,12-14,17, 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2, Matthew 6:1-6,16-18).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu