A Reading from 2 Corinthians 5:20, 6:2
Brothers and sisters:
We are ambassadors for Christ,
as if God were appealing through us.
We implore you on behalf of Christ,
be reconciled to God.
For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin,
so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
Working together, then,
we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
For he says:
In an acceptable time I heard you,
and on the day of salvation I helped you.
Behold, now is a very acceptable time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.
REFLECTION: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, while Ash Wednesday isn’t exactly mentioned in the Bible, the Bible does connect ashes and dust with repentance and mourning.
For us Catholic Christians, Ash Wednesday is the day, that marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. I intentionally chose to use this Scripture for today’s reflection. It is the Second Letter from Saint Paul to the people of Corin, and so perfect for us today, Ash Wednesday. Paul’s letter stresses key points to urge every Christian, but even more to us in today’s time. Why? Because of our sinful nature and the many reminders, over and over, that we have received since Jesus began His teaching.
Throughout the Holy Scriptures we are called to, “…be reconciled to God”. Today’s Second Reading’s, central theme, is once again urging you, me, and all Christians, to mend our relationship with God, through our faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. This reading is also calling you, me and all Christians, to be “Ambassadors for Christ”. By the virtue of our baptism, all Christians are seen as representatives of Christ, tasked with sharing the message of reconciliation for our eternal salvation.
Though we as Christians need to always try our best to make amends with God, what better day than today, Ash Wednesday! Paul also says, “Behold, now is a very acceptable time “. His phrase highlights the urgency of accepting God’s offer of forgiveness. When? NOW! Yesterday has passed, or even what we have already lived today, has also passed. So, now is a very favorable time for an examination of conscience, and an opportunity to repent for our sinful actions committed.
Brothers and sisters, all these points connect to Ash Wednesday, the beginning of a season of Repentance and Renewal. Marking the beginning of Lent, a period of aligning our hearts with the call to “be reconciled to God”. The practice of initiating the Lent Season, with ashes on our foreheads, symbolizes our human condition of being “dust” and the need for humility before God. “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19).
Ash Wednesday is not an obligation but rather an invitation to pause and consider both, the seriousness of sin and the mercy of God.
ACTION FOR THE DAY: Respond to God’s grace actively embracing your Lenten experience by:
• Committing to regular morning and evening prayer.
• Reflect on ways the Spirit is convicting you of sin and opening your eyes to your need for repentance.
• Spend time focusing on Jesus and getting to know Him more.
• Fasting. Consider how denying yourself in this way adds to your life, such as using newfound energy for positive activities, engaging in meaningful conversations, cultivating family time, or immersing yourself in community.
AUDIO REFLECTION:
