Thou art dust

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent.  This liturgical season is a time of preparation, repentance, and sacrifice. 

As a kid, this wasn’t always the most appealing time of the year, especially since it meant I had to give up something that I really enjoyed for what seemed like an eternity.  As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found that this sacrifice really helps call me back to my faith, though it’s not any more appealing today as it was back then.   I try to give up something that tempts me at least once a day, to constantly remind me of the sacrifice Jesus made.

  It reminds me every day that God is really in control of my life, and that I worry unnecessarily about many things.  Lent isn’t only a time for sacrifice; it is also a time for deepening our relationship with Christ, so I plan this Lent to say an extra rosary each day.  (That still makes me a “piker” by Mom’s standards!—She says upwards of 4-6 rosaries a day, not to mention the Divine Mercy prayers and Office.  That’s not bad for a 93-year-old, huh?)

“Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God.”  Jesus is not interested in our material things.  He wants our hearts; He wants the very core of who we are.  He came to this Earth to call the sinners back to His Father, to know His Father’s love.  Something I struggle with is the question of 'when.'  When is it acceptable for me to turn to Him; when is it time for me to answer His call?  The readings for Ash Wednesday (JI 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; and Mt 6:1-6, 16-18) make it clear that Jesus wants us to turn to Him now.  He will forgive any sins committed, but He is calling us right this minute.  Not in a week, not in ten years—NOW.