Ashes: Making Connections by Fr. Paul Rospond

The Mass prayers for Ash Wednesday exhort us to “fast with Joy”

Fasting? Joy? What’s the connection?

Our sins, our indifference, our selfishness, and busyness separate us from God. Fasting helps make room in the soul to re-connect.

Ashes, a powerful symbol, challenge us: Take in the Mystery of the death and rising of Christ. This mystery reconciles us to God, ourselves and our neighbor.

Connections:

“Remember you are dust.” God formed Adam from the dust of the earth and breathed a spirit into him. And to dust you shall return: A challenge – recognize that life is short. In our 2nd reading today St. Paul tells us “Now is the day of Salvation.” Don’t miss the opportunity to repent and draw near to God. “Now is the time.”

Ashes for this day are made from palms that were blessed last year on Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. As we fast & pray we look ahead to Holy Week when we will stand together holding a blessed palm and hear the Passion of Christ proclaimed.

Ashes connect us to the whole people of God. We hear from the prophet Joel today:

“Blow the trumpet in Zion. Gather the elders, proclaim a fast. The day of the Lord is near.”

We gather today recognizing we are, each one of us, sinners in need of God’s Mercy. We are a people on our knees before God asking forgiveness. We need the support of the sinner/saint who is beside us.

In time of pandemic we can’t linger in the church. And many of us are praying, fasting from home. Nevertheless, the entire people of God is gathered today to “turn from our sins and believe in the gospel.”  To stay connected to God and to the people of God.