Rev. Fr. Ezekoka Peter Onyekachi.
As a little boy, we longed so innocently for ash Wednesday. It was a feast, we believed that singled us out as Catholics because of the dash of ash imprinted on our fore head. We would cry and even fight if someone mistakenly or playfully rubbed off the ash imprinted in a cross form upon our foreheads. That ash meant a lot for us and still means a lot for me.
Concerning this ash Wednesday we must try to go beyound the imprint to embrace it's significance: Fasting and Abstinence (especially from sin), Prayer and Armsgiving . The Readings remind us of our identity in Christ. The First calls on us to be quick to approach the divine throne of mercy with the conviction that our Lord is ready to have us back. The Second calls us ambassadors of Christ; that means, we are official representatives and ministers of Christ. The Gospel reminds us how to practice this Christian life of service in such a way that we are neither self-righteous nor ostentatious.
Concerning this Lenten season, please Take lots of BEER (a friend sent this to me and I have decided to incorporate it in my reflection).
The parish priest of St.Patrick's Church in Bangalore in india gave very simple advise on what to do during 40 days of lent. He said we should consume lots of BEER.
This means:
B-Bible - Read your Bible.This is God's given time to be spiritually enriched with the word of God
E-Empathy-Feel empathy for the poor and neglected and do something about it
E-Eucharist-Go for mass frequently besides Sunday's.If possible everyday
R-Reconciliation-This is the best time to reconcile with those we have hurt,not talking,seek forgiveness, and restore our relationship with God and one another.
Take BEER please. With this we are sure not to crash with our dash of ash. I wish us a blessed Lenten season. God bless you.
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