As we begin the holy season of Lent, Fr Javier del Castillo invites us in this meditation for Ash Wednesday to reflect on the readings and Gospel of today’s Mass and on the works we are called to fulfill during this time for our conversion: fasting, praying and almsgiving.

“Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor 6:2)

Father del Castillo explains that “now is the time to convert and to turn to the Lord.. [He gives us] an entire season of the liturgical year characterized by acts and symbols of penance… A time of salvation is a time of conversion [during which] we can actually repent from our actions, from our sins…”

“We can say, ‘I do not wish to be identified with that action of mine. I wish I had never done it. In fact, I will try to undo it as best as I can with subsequent actions.’ That is what we want to do during Lent as we begin this acceptable time for conversion… To purify ourselves and identify ourselves with our Lord’s suffering… And when we see the great mercy that has been bestowed upon us we want to voluntarily participate a little bit in that, even though our meager efforts will never be able to match our Lord’s love for us and His power to redeem us.”

Pointing to the ways that our Lord calls us to pray, fast, and give alms, this meditation helps us to see how these works are ultimately a participation in life and mission of Jesus Christ.

And that these works can be fulfilled by doing our everyday duties with love as well as by offering up our food and drink, setting a time for prayer, going to Mass during the week, praying the Rosary— works and penances that fit our schedules like a glove as well as prayer that keeps us closely united to our Lord.

A GUIDE FOR MEDITATION:

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