Ash Wednesday - February 17, 2021

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

In today’s Gospel from Matthew Jesus tells his disciples not to perform righteous duties (almsgiving, praying & fasting) in public where people will see them and reward them with praise. In this year of COVID-19 and political unrest I find this Gospel to be particularly relevant. The question of what true Christianity looks and acts like has been an issue in the forefront.

I believe Jesus is calling us to be true to ourselves and to him. Humans crave attention and praise. Doing the three things we are called to do during Lent - almsgiving, prayer and fasting - publicly can bring us that satisfaction on the surface. We are doing “all the right things” as instructed; but, where is our heart? What are truly “all the right things”? Being true to ourselves and to God will bring us the greatest reward of all - known only to God and us – that feeling of his presence and love within us.

The isolation of the pandemic has provided us with the perfect opportunity to go inward and interact with God during this most important time of the year. It is a chance to really think about why we do these three “righteous duties” during Lent; and to develop closer relationships we might otherwise neglect in the hustle and bustle of “normal” life. The activities of Lent can be performed quietly, with true intent from the safety of our homes.

And so, this Lent, I will be walking with Jesus on this journey, quietly and intentionally fulfi lling my Lenten obligations without fanfare. The only observer will be the most important Observer, the one whose rewards are everlasting. 

Q: What are the private and personal ways you will perform your Lenten duties of almsgiving, praying and fasting this year? 

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