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

As you walk about town on Ash Wednesday, you will no doubt see foreheads bearing the cross of ashes, people having participated in the solemn services that begin the Lenten season. One meddling woman used to advise her single granddaughters to pay attention on Ash Wednesday because on that day it was clear who all the Catholic men were.  

It seems ironic that this ancient practice took root on a day when in services we hear Jesus in St. Matthew’s Gospel say, "Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.” Matthew 6:1.  

But then, the ashes rubbed on our foreheads are not a boast, in fact the opposite.  They announce that we are sinners in need of reconciliation and deeper conversion to God. “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.”  They are also a recognition of our mortality, “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.”   We have limited time to develop the eternal gifts that last beyond our bodies- faith, hope and love. 

Would that this Lent be for us a time of humble growth in our Catholic spiritual lives, leading to attitudes, words and actions reflective of the Kingdom of God. The more we strive to live our faith through what we choose, say, and do, the less we need an ashen cross to announce to the world our Catholic faith.  It will be obvious.  

David L. Guffey, C.S.C.

What is my plan for Lent? What will I do to participate in Lent in a meaningful way? How will I work toward humble growth in my spiritual life?  

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