Commentary on the Gospel of
Tracing a cross made out of ashes on the forehead will mark the beginning the season of Lent. This ritual will be accompanied by the words: ‘remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.’ These were the same words God used as He expelled Adam and Eve from the Garden for the sin of disobedience. Obedience is a sign of love and by disobeying they distanced themselves from God and His love. Ashes remind us of our human fragility and transience. The cross on our forehead symbolises the regaining of our lost dignity and friendship with God in Jesus.
We are called upon to regain the lost graces during this season through a process of repentance and conversion. Jesus in the Gospel today teaches that repentance and spiritual conversion come through fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Fasting enables us to exercise self-control; prayer places God at the centre; almsgiving focusses on the neighbour in the loving service offered. Self-denial is good for both the soul and body because it develops self-control and self-discipline. Prayer has great power and it brings God’s grace which empowers us to resist evil and do good. Almsgiving enables us to meet God in our neighbour through compassion and service. Let the words of the prophet Joel guide our spiritual journey during this Lent: “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning for your sins…”
