The Greatest Sacrifice of Lent

March 05, 2025 Ash Wednesday
Daily Readings: Joel 2:12-18; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2; Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

Today, Ash Wednesday is a very important day in the life of the Church. It marks the official beginning of Lent. Without a doubt, receiving the ashes is significant, but the imposition of ashes is far less important than the words spoken during the ritual: “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” We should remember that the Church adopted this expressive rite from ancient Jewish tradition, where pouring ashes on the head was a sign of public sorrow and repentance. This is not a private act but a communal one. On this day and throughout the forty days of Lent, the Christian community publicly reaffirms its commitment to penance and turning away from sin.

The ashes used today come from the palms and branches blessed on Palm Sunday of the previous year. This tradition beautifully connects the joy of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with the somber recognition of our unworthiness to receive Him into our souls.

The words of the Lord, spoken through the prophet Joel in today’s first reading, hold special significance as we begin this sacred season: “Return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” Similarly, Paul’s words to the Corinthians in the second reading are equally relevant, reminding us of our call to repentance and renewal.

The Three Pillars of Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks about prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Since the early centuries, the Church has encouraged these three practices as forms of penance during Lent.

Fasting: We fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent. This discipline expresses our love for the Lord above all worldly comforts, even food, and helps us detach from sin.

Almsgiving: Acts of generosity—whether financial, charitable, or acts of service—are ways of expressing love for both God and neighbor.

Prayer: Lent is a time to grow closer to the Lord by deepening our prayer life, fostering an intimate connection with Him.

The True Meaning of Lent

There is one thing we must give up during Lent: sin. This season prepares us to renew our baptismal promises at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. Paul reminds us in Romans 6:3-6 that through baptism, we have died to sin and risen to a new life in Christ. Lent gives us the opportunity to die to our old sinful ways and emerge from the tomb with Jesus, renewed and transformed.

Lent calls us to enter into the depths of our hearts and experience an intimate encounter with God. It is within this inner space—our consciences and souls—that the true work of conversion takes place. Faced with the reality of our own weaknesses, we are invited to echo the words of today’s psalm:

"Have mercy on me, O God, in your love;
in your great mercy, erase my wrongdoings.
Wash me completely of my faults, and purify me of my sins.”

Each liturgical season brings with it a unique grace from the Lord. During this Lenten season, may we seek true repentance through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, allowing God to cleanse our souls and lead us into His renewing grace.

Call to Action for Catholic Living: Lent calls us to renew our baptismal promises. Let us use this season to die to our old ways and rise with Christ to new life.