Ash Wednesday 18 Feb 2015: a
three minute meditation for today!
Today’s readings: Mt 6:1-6,
16-18; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2
Dear loving brothers and sisters
in Jesus Christ, today we are entering the holy season of Lent with the mark of
the cross on our forehead. The mark of the cross signed on the forehead is
apparently less attractive for it is neither beautifully drawn nor is it in
fine colors. However, it is the symbol of our salvation achieved through the
sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. When this sign of the salvation
is marked on my forehead today with ashes, on the one hand, I proclaim to my dear
ones, neighbors, and friends that I am entering into an intense forty days of
prayer, fasting, and repentance; and on the other hand, the very fact that I
received the sign of the cross in a community liturgical context makes me also aware
of my responsibility to help each other by encouraging and praying for its
fruitful completion.
The ash sign of the cross marked
on our forehead may not last even for a day because it is washable. However,
this external sign of the cross should be taken into our heart and mind that we
may be internally and consciously prepared for the Lent. As we heard today in
the gospel reading, whatever sacrifices we do, and whatever prayers we pray in
this season are not for showing ourselves to others, but for the reparation of
my sins and the sins of others in private. Then only, our Father who is in
heaven will reward us. Prayer and fasting combined together is the powerful victory
flag against Satan and his legion. Jesus Christ himself has reminded and assured
us of that Satan and his legion could be defeated only through prayer and
fasting: “Only prayer and fasting can drive this kind out; nothing else can.”
(Mt 17:21)
Let this season also be a season
of praying for others, especially for those who find for themselves difficult
to get rid of their sinful ways and habitual sins; for those who are away from
faith and religious practices; and for those who are suffering for the sake of
Jesus in different parts of the world. In the first reading St. Paul reminded
us of this aspect: “Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share
our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of
God.” (2 Cor 5:21) I don’t say that I wish you all a blessed Lenten season,
rather let us wish each other a blessed and fruitful Lenten season and pray for
each other.
Greetings! May God bless
you and your dear ones with his grace and peace! Amen.
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