Feb 10 2008
Do not come forward if you are not sincere.
That was what the missal had written all over it when I went to Mass on Ash Wednesday.
It has become a tradition among co-workers to break out for lunch during Ash Wednesday and go to Mass. There are several Italians and Irish at work who are faithful to this tradition and it makes me glad that they remind me every time.
The message on the missal stated, “Taking the sign of repentance by way of ashes on your forehead must come from your heart. If not, it is simply a superstition which mocks God. Do not come forward if you are not sincere.”
I was taken aback. I had to re-think what I was going to do.
Then, the mass started. The first reading came from the Book of Joel, Chapter 2.
12 Now, therefore, saith the Lord. Be converted to me with all your heart, in fasting, and in weeping, and mourning.
13 And rend your hearts, and not your garments and turn to the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, patient and rich in mercy, and ready to repent of the evil.
The message is the same. Either I have to be true to the sign that I am about to receive or simply do it without any substance behind it.
The priest asked during his homily if any of us remember a time during any Lenten Season when we can say, “The Lenten Season of the year XXXX was a life-changing event for me.” He added, “If you can’t think of one, I pray that this Lenten Season be just that.” Those were not his exact words but his message was delivered to that effect.
I want to change. I want to become a better person. If I come forward to have the priest put the sign of the cross on my forehead, I am definitely making a commitment to do whatever I can to change the things in my life that are not worthy. I sat on my seat thinking if I would be able to do it.
As the people fell in line to take the ashes, I stood up and followed. I am going to do my best to make this year’s Lenten Season, the year that I would remember and say, “The Lenten Season of 2008 was a life-changing event for me.” I pray that I can become a better person. I pray that I can be more forgiving, unselfish, and have more willingness to help others from my own heart.
May you all experience the same during this Lenten Season. God bless.
[...] would like to reflect on the previous post on February 10th. I feel really bad that I haven’t put in enough meditation and prayer time this Lenten season [...]