Lent 2014: Ash Wednesday: March 5, 2014 A time for Conversion...Reconcile with God and one another..

Lent 2014: Ash Wednesday: March 5, 2014

Today we begin a traditional journey through lent by a gentle reminder and ritual of imposition of ashes on our foreheads. Ashes remind us that we are finite and limited. Do we realize our finiteness and inadequacy? Beyond all the rituals this season is a time of inward journey, to listen with an open heart to the Spirit within. It is a time of turn back to God. Why do I repent or return back to God? Because, I humbly admit my own insufficiency and that I am incomplete without God in my life. I want to live the gospel way of life better, love the other better, serve others better, act justly and kindly, reach out to the poor and the oppressed better. I deeply desire for the “More” in my life. It is the realization that only God can save me, liberate me from the grave, fill my life with fulfillment and joy. In the words of Pope Emeritus Benedict, lent is a time of conversion which means a “deep and lasting abandonment of our sinful ways in order to enter into a living relationship with Christ”. So may this season find ourselves turning to back to God many times a day to love God dearly, follow God closely and know God intimately. With a prayer that I have taken from Ron Rolheiser, OMI, let this holy season of grace begin.

Dear God, I know that every journey begins with a first step. Be with me today as I take another step in my Lenten journey. I begin this journey with the sign of ashes on my forehead, reminding me that this is no ordinary walk. Today, I move one step nearer to the promises of your light. Today, with your help, I will find new meaning in the Easter that awaits us all. Thank you Lord. Amen

God Bless you always!

Yours Sincerely, 

Rev. Cyriac Chandy Mattathilanickal, MS