Biblical Reflection for Ash WednesdayBy Father Thomas Rosica, CSBTORONTO,
FEB. 22, 2009 (Zenit.org).-
On AshWednesday, Feb. 25,
the Church begins her great Lenten journey
with Jesus on the road to Jerusalem.
For centuries, Lent has been a very intense spiritual journey
and experience for the followers of Jesus Christ.
Why are there 40 days in Lent?
It took 40 days for sinfulness to drown in the flood
before a new creation could inherit the earth.
It took 40years for the generation of slaves
to die before the freeborn could enter thePromised Land.
For 40 days Moses, Elijah and Jesus fasted
and prayed toprepare themselves for a life's work.
Lent invites us to turn from our own selves,
from our sin, to cometogetherin community.
Self-denial is the way we express our repentance.
Self-denialis threefold, advises Matthew's Gospel.
We pray: "Go to your room, close your door,
and pray to your Father in private.
"We fast: "No one must see you are fasting but your Father.
"We give alms: "Keep your deeds of mercy secret,
and your Father who seesinsecret will repay you.
"Through the Lenten exercise of prayer, fasting
and almsgiving, wespring-clean our lives,
sharpen our senses, put tomorrow in its place
and treasure the day at hand.
Church of Christ The King
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