The season of Lent is a powerful reminder about the urgency and importance of acknowledging one’s mistakes and seeking forgiveness without delay. Procrastinating repentance can lead to a hardened heart, a sense of guilt that weighs heavily, and missed opportunities for growth and reconciliation.
Repentance is not just about seeking forgiveness but also about genuine self-reflection and a commitment to change. Delaying it can hinder personal healing and the restoration of relationships.
By addressing our wrongdoings promptly, we allow ourselves to move forward, free from the burden of regret, and cultivate a more meaningful connection with ourselves and others. It reminds us that life is uncertain, and the right moment for growth and healing is always now.
The readings for Ash Wednesday offer a profound call to humility, repentance, and self-examination. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns against practicing righteousness for public approval, urging us to seek sincerity in our relationship with God. This emphasizes the importance of internal transformation rather than external display.
The readings also highlight the temporary nature of our earthly lives, symbolized by the ashes, reminding us of our mortality and the need for repentance. In the Old Testament reading from Joel, we are called to return to God with sincere hearts, offering a chance for renewal and healing. Ash Wednesday sets the tone for Lent, inviting us to reflect deeply on our actions, seek reconciliation, and open ourselves to God’s grace and mercy.
The three pillars of the Lenten season—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—serve as a guide to deepening one’s spiritual life and growing closer to God.
Prayer invites us to strengthen our relationship with God, seeking guidance and reflecting on His Word.
Fasting calls us to self-discipline, offering sacrifices that remind us of our dependence on God rather than worldly comforts.
Almsgiving encourages us to live out compassion, sharing with those in need and cultivating a spirit of generosity. Together, these practices help us turn inward, purify our hearts, and prepare for the renewal of Easter.
May this season of preparation energize us to be ambassadors of Christ and his church. Have a happy season.
Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC (Sister Communicator)
