Yesterday, 18th February 2026, we started our Lenten journey with Ash Wednesday. As I was flicking through Facebook yesterday I noticed a news report video. As it was a priest who posted the video it caught my attention. The video interviewed people about they were doing for Lent. Instantly I thought of the Gospel passage which is proclaimed each year on Ash Wednesday from St Matthew. (Mt 6:1-6, 16-18) It is no coincidence that this particular passage is read on Ash Wednesday as we begin our Lenten journey. This passage tells us that we should not parade our good deeds in order to attract attention to ourselves. We should pray in secret, behind closed doors, where the prayer is just between us and God. We do not pray so that other people can see us pray. We pray to be in relationship with God. St Matthew also says that when we fast we do not do it with a gloomy face so that everybody knows that we are fasting. Again, our fasting is between us and God.
As Christians, during the Lenten season we are called to fast, to give and to pray in order to prepare for Easter and to grow closer to God. What we decide to do for Lent is between us and God. The Gospel for Ash Wednesday reminds us of this. We go not give up sweets, chocolate, social media etc to look good to others or to get their approval. It is nobody's business but God's what we decide to do for Lent. I understand that some people may need support to carry out their Lenten commitments. If a person needs support it is fine to tell others what they are fasting from or what they are taking up. But as Christians we should not parade our actions in front of others as we hear in St Matthew's Gospel. The best support on our Lenten journey is God. So if you are struggling to keep your Lenten commitments talk to God, ask Him for help.
This year I also think of Pope Leo's message at the start of Lent. Pope Leo invites us to ask the Lord to grant us true conversion of heart. This Lenten season let us accept Pope Leo's invitation and use our words kindly. Let us not speak bad of others or put them down. And let us show God's love to all that we meet. Don't get all caught up in giving up the material things. Be more concerned with giving up the bad words we use towards others. But don't look for praise for being kind. Remember, being kind with our words and our actions helps us to grow closer to God.
No comments:
Post a Comment