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February 22, 2023Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2; Matthew 6:1-6,16-18
Today begins the season of Lent when many receive ashes, the mark of mortality and the mark of repentance. In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers us three practices of spirituality – almsgiving, prayer, and fasting – which have been part of the Jewish religion and are pillars of Christianity. They are recommended practices during this season of Lent.
Almsgiving is sharing what we have – money, possessions, time, talents, patience, forgiveness, kindness, understanding, etc. May we be more generous in service to one another.
Prayer is “lifting up our minds and our hearts to God.” In prayer we enter more consciously into the presence of God. May we be more prayerful through acts of adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, and petition.
Fasting is doing without. It unites us to the sufferings of Jesus on the cross and to the sufferings of others throughout the world. May we fast from one thing or another, especially sin, and so deepen our solidarity with Jesus and those in need.
During this season of Lent, as the ashes fade away, let us put into practice daily the words of Jesus. Through almsgiving, prayer, and fasting may we be better prepared to celebrate the great feast of the Resurrection.
