Ash Wednesday – February 26

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Joel 2:12-18 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

In today’s second reading, Paul pleads with the Corinthians to “be reconciled to God!” In Paul’s mind, reconciliation had far more signifi cant implications. I gather his message was a call to come together for a common purpose – to extend Christ’s mission in the world – while reconciling humanity with God.

Like the Corinthians, we need to reconcile with God continuously for our own spiritual growth while serving as a personal witness to bring others to Christ.

In the Gospel, Jesus challenges his disciples to give alms, pray, and fast without expecting credit in return. Instead, the disciples must have faith that “your Father, who sees what no man sees, will repay you.” Who can relate to that in a Catholic community? I find myself reflecting on the Visitation faith community’s common purpose. How do we bring others to Christ? Perhaps we do it by showing up for each other, our families, and ourselves without expecting anything in return.

But, how do we show up for each other? Perhaps we could support a friend as he or she tries something new. Perhaps we could invite a friend to join us at Mass. Perhaps we could join a Lenten small group to share common experiences and observations.

How can we show up for our families? Perhaps we could take on a chore our spouse normally assumes. Perhaps we should call our parents more often and make sure to tell them we love them. Perhaps we can commit to family dinners (with no phones). Perhaps we can participate in family prayer. Perhaps we can set aside time for “date nights” to reconnect with the person who helped start it all.

And, how do we show up for ourselves? Perhaps we commit to reconciliation before Easter, no matter how long it has been? Perhaps we commit to praying each morning during Lent. Perhaps we learn to forgive ourselves for the times we think we have fallen short.

Q: As you reconcile with God this Lenten season, how will you show up for this Visitation Faith Community with no expectation of credit? And will you be able to have faith in God seeing what is hidden and repaying you in a way only God can?

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