Ash Wednesday - March 2, 2022

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


In today’s gospel, Jesus tells us… “take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you. Instead give alms so surreptitiously that you do not let your left hand know what your right is doing. When you pray go to your inner room, close the door and pray in secret. When you fast, do it so that you may appear not to be doing so.”  THEN WHAT’S THE POINT, RIGHT???

Our society values people who “blow their own horn”!!! We’re supposed to “show ‘em what we’ve got!” If you don’t, you will be seen as “too timid…lacking in self-confidence”. When this happens, you won’t get the big promotion, make the big sale, or win the big case.

Somehow, it is crucial for us to find the balance between what society values, and what Jesus is telling us. Our children are bombarded with the need to flaunt their every accomplishment for all to see on social media. Therefore, we ESPECIALLY need to demonstrate and model AUDACIOUS humility; and receive in secret our repayment from our Father.

Here we are on another Ash Wednesday, receiving ashes on our heads for the world to see that we are marked as belonging to God. Conflicting messages, it seems! However, as we head out into the world marked in this manner, I think we are to be reminders for those we encounter; not only today, not only during Lent, but EVERY DAY. As Christians we are to be known to others by our deeds; our actions! This Lent, remember, our Father, who sees what is hidden, will repay you.

Q:  What are one or two “hidden” acts of fasting, prayer or charity I will do during the Lenten season?

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