First Reading: Joel 2:12-18

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2

Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

 

The Word of God, at the start of the Lenten journey, addresses two invitations to the Church and to each of us.

 

The first is that of St Paul: “be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20). It is a supplication on Christ’s behalf: “We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (ibid.). Why does he make such a solemn and earnest appeal? Because Christ knows how fragile and sinful we are. He knows that it is important for us to feel loved in order to do good. We cannot do it alone: this is why the Apostle tell us to allow ourselves to be reconciled with God, to let him forgive us. He conquers sin and lifts us out of misery, if we let him. This is the first step on the Christian path; it entails entering through the open door which is Christ, where he, the Saviour, awaits us and offers us a new and joyful life.

 

There is a second invitation of God, who says, through the prophet Joel: “return to me with all your heart” (2:12). If we need to return it is because we have distanced ourselves. It is the mystery of sin. Alongside this history of sin, Jesus inaugurated a history of salvation. 

 

The Gospel which opens Lent calls us to be protagonists, embracing three medicines which heal us from sin.

 

In the first place is prayer, an expression of openness and trust in the Lord: it is the personal encounter with him, which shortens the distances created by sin. 

 

In the second place is charity, to overcome our lack of involvement with regard to others. True love is to accept those who are in need of our time, our friendship, our help. It means living to serve, overcoming the temptation to satisfy ourselves. 

 

In the third place is fasting, penance, in order to free ourselves from dependencies regarding what is passing, and to train ourselves to be more sensitive and merciful. It is an invitation to simplicity.

 

Let us embark on the journey together, as Church, by receiving Ashes and keeping our gaze fixed on the Crucifix. He, loving us, invites us to be reconciled with God and to return to him, in order to find ourselves again.