Ash Wednesday
First Reading
Joel 2:12–18
Joel’s call to “return with all your heart” establishes Lent’s foundation: interior conversion. External practices matter, but only when they reflect genuine repentance. The Catechism describes this as conversion of heart — a reorientation toward God grounded in trust and humility (CCC 1430–1432).
True repentance is hopeful, not despairing, because it rests on God’s compassion.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 50(51):3–6,12–14,17
Psalm 51 expresses contrition and renewal. It recognises sin honestly while trusting God’s mercy. The Church consistently places this psalm at penitential moments because it captures both sorrow and hope.
The Catechism teaches that repentance opens the heart to healing grace (CCC 1451–1453).
Second Reading
2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2
Paul urges immediate reconciliation: “Now is the favourable time.” Salvation is not abstract or distant; it is offered now. Lent emphasises responsiveness — accepting grace rather than postponing spiritual renewal.
Christian reconciliation always flows from Christ’s initiative, not human perfection (CCC 1996–2001).
Gospel
Matthew 6:1–6,16–18
Jesus reframes religious practice. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are not performances but relationship. Authentic spirituality prioritises sincerity over visibility.
The Catechism affirms that prayer especially flourishes in interior silence where God encounters the believer personally (CCC 2559–2565).
Reflection
Ash Wednesday invites honesty. Scripture avoids superficial religiosity and calls believers toward authentic transformation. Repentance is not self-condemnation; it is returning to God’s mercy.
Lent becomes fruitful when approached not as obligation but as opportunity — space to deepen prayer, simplify life, and renew charity. These practices re-centre faith on relationship with God rather than external appearance.
Ultimately, Ash Wednesday marks hope. The ashes acknowledge fragility, but also openness to renewal. God consistently moves toward those who turn back to him.
One line to carry today
Return to God sincerely — he already moves toward you.
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