The first line of the first reading is an appropriate start to Lent. Today, Ash Wednesday, begins our Lenten journey to Easter. “Return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God” Joel 2:12. It is the perfect time to recommit yourself to the most important person in your life.
Every year when Lent rolls around there is much chatter about what to do, what to give up, what to add as extra. Depending on your personality, it may be overwhelming to listen to all the ideas and suggestions around you.
Go Deeper
As for me, I have found that the years I put more focus on deepening my relationship with God and less emphasis on the act of “doing” have proven the most fruitful. While all of these things are meant to be and should be good, it can be easy to accidentally distract ourselves with a checklist mentality.
I am not suggesting that we should abandon going the extra mile. Merely, that we not lose sight of our dear Lord and Savior on the journey.
Matthew’s gospel reminds us, “Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.”
And so, as we begin our journey today, may we acknowledge this wise instruction.
I will be praying for all of you—that this Lenten season will draw you ever close to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Please pray for me too.
[Readings: Joel 2:12-18; 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18]
