Daily Reflection Ash Wednesday

Originally, Lent was established as a preparation for Catechumens to be received into the Church. Perhaps, many of us were baptized as infants and don’t remember the experience of the sacrament. Through Baptism we made the commitment to be part of a community—the Church. We are called not to be idle members but active participants. Let us focus on how meaningful is our membership in the Church. Although we are called to deepen our personal relationship with God, we need to evaluate ways in which our membership affects others. Because Lent is traditionally seen as a time of preparation for Baptism, neophytes are received into the fold at the Easter Vigil.

 

    In our first reading today, the prophet Joel commands us to “proclaim a fast, call an assembly, gather the people, notify the congregation.” Paul then counsels us, “Working together, then, we appeal you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” In proclaiming a fast, our Ignatian discernment tells us to clean out what is unnecessary and not to take in what is unnecessary, whether through Facebook, texting, TV, hurtful gossip, or lack of respect. With the gifts and virtues we have received in Baptism, we are supported in making right decisions: abstaining from negativity, possessing a healthy concern for our world and those who live in it. Our baptismal grace encourages us to be creative in problem solving.

 

    Lent is not about “giving up” but about “doing.”  However, “doing” translates into forfeiting unhealthy pride, reconciling relationships, caring for the family of our country and our earth. It is a time to renew our baptismal promises:  our offering of mind and heart to God; a time to be at peace with one another. That reconciliation infiltrates every relationship on the personal, family, church, national and international levels.

 

    Lent is also considered to be the springtime of our souls. I look out my window to the bare trees. Each is laden with tiny buds ready to blossom when the weather is warmer. We are those tiny buds that blossom with the warmth of the Holy Spirit, if our hearts are open to this gift. Jesus’ words today encourage us to go within the silence of our hearts and inventory what needs to change. What a great way to renew our own baptismal promises!