Ash Wednesday, 6 March 2019

Lent is here but where are we? We can focus on one aspects of Ash Wednesday, namely, internal approach to religious practices.

It is time to shift our focus from external to internal. This might sound generic Lenten propaganda but we would like to understand and re-live the inner reality. We know it is easier for anyone to see what is outside of oneself and harder to see what is within us. In the first reading today, we are reminded by Prophet Joel to break our hearts and not our garments. It was customary for the Jews to do those external rituals in order to repent from their sins. It was leaning towards a public display of repentance. Hence, timely reminder by the Prophet was crucial in order that people might not lose focus of the act of repentance. It is like a person goes to confession as a show and an obligation but doesn’t make any changes to life. This defeats the sole purpose of confession. The point of departure of any religious obligation must for oneself. There must be an individualistic approach to these obligations. We might be tempted to lean towards a public display of our religious practices such as fasting, confession, prayers, and alms-giving but has little or no impact on the individual. We have known people who look perfect in public places but they are like whitewashed tombs. They are like publicans of Jesus’ time.

Today's Gospel compliment the message of individualistic approach to religious obligations and not a show how religious you are. God who sees all that is done in secret will reward you. Inner disposition is important while doing our Lenten observances. Whole purpose of Lent is to do things quietly so that we can focus on ourselves. It is an individual effort to benefit the individual. Let us not lose sight of the important focus of Lent. It is through individual effort one can reach out to the community. 

As we begin Lent, let us look in ourselves. Let us understand the meaning of any religious obligations and practices. They are meant for the individual’s betterment and not for a public show. 

Amen.