MEDITATIONS FOR LENT

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Ash Wednesday Cycle A

We hear in today’s first reading these words from the prophet Joel, “Rend your hearts and not your garments!” It was a custom in Israel to tear one’s garments when considering one’s sins. How easy that would be. But we are encouraged to rip open our hearts…to make them vulnerable to God’s all encompassing glance, to allow our God to search every corner to see what needs mending and what needs to be eliminated. Of course this is a painful process for truth is the cleansing agent used in repentance and conversion. As God’s river of grace flows through us and God’s truth washes away all that is not God in us, we will be led on an incredible journey of conversion. Then the words the priest says as he places the ashes on our foreheads will become a reality, “Turn from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” This is what Lent is all about. Make this one your best. Allow God to lead you on the journey these forty days. Sr. Josephine Aparo, MPF© Copyright 2008