Listen to the words of Isaiah; this is the Word of Christ!

Listen to the words of Isaiah; this is the Word of Christ!

Lo, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits, and drive all your laborers.  Yes, your fast ends in quarreling and fighting, striking with wicked claws.  Would that today you might fast so as to make your voice heard on high!  Is this the manner of fasting I wish, of keeping a day of penance: That a man bow his head like a reed, and lie in sackcloth and ashes?  Do you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?  

This rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.  (Is 58 1 - 7).

A prescription that might be needed by those who begin Lent with an idea of following the aspects of showing how they have received ashes and are doing the same things that the believers at Mass on Ash Wednesday are doing; “See” they will say; I too am giving up my time to exemplify my faith.  Be aware, unless the outward signs are from the heart and not from a repeated effort to make a show of obedience, it is for nought that these signs will occur.  

But take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.  When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win praise of others.  Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.  When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them.  Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.  In both of these efforts go into your room in private and pray to your Father in secret; or in giving alms do not let everyone know what you are doing to gain praise.  (Mt 6: 1 - 2, 5 - 6)).

First, this is not a put-down on anyone who is new to their faith or has been away for a length of time.  But it is a reminder that the attributes for Lent; Alms-giving, Prayer, and Fasting, are a private consideration with your heavenly Father.  He already knows your intention; keep it personal with him.

Secondly, get  used to this manner of praying and use its meaningful connection with your Father in heaven and discover the many blessings that will appear at times unknowingly.

Finally, be aware that those ashes remind us of our mortality;  “To dust shall you return!”  

Ralph B. Hathaway