Ash Wednesday marks the first day of the 40 days of Lent, a six-week period (excluding Sundays) dedicated to prayer, fasting and reflection in preparation for celebrating Christ’s life, death and resurrection. It is the beginning of a season which calls us into self-analysis, deeper reflection about God’s grace and mercy, and a sense of generosity towards those most in need.
The ancient practice of Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are mortal. It causes us to pause, look at our lives, and remember what we are made of and where we are going. It encourages us to fully immerse ourselves in the Lenten season.
“Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19
Death and resurrection are not a one-time thing as our life on earth ends and our eternal life in Heaven begins. Each time we let go of the past and embrace the future, we start a new life. Each time we allow our fears, pride and bitterness…..we start a new life. We need to open ourselves to the Spirit so that we can break down the walls that separate us from God.
Prepare your heart today for a new life. Pray for God’s forgiveness regarding the areas of your life that are standing in the way of a close relationship with Him. Give up the temptation to have full control over your life and your future. Remember, it is not your will that you should be striving for, but God’s will that you should be fulfilling.
“Yet even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love Joel 2:12-13
God doesn’t want an outward display of repentance without true inward repentance. We should not repent just with our words ; we need to give Him our whole heart! He knows what we are thinking and how sincere we are. He wants us to come back to Him even as we have strayed away. God is patient, and merciful; He loves us so much that He welcomes us back.
Prepare your heart so that you can come back to God and start a new life in Christ’s image. Let Him guide your ways.
I pray that this season of Lent brings you closer to God and helps you celebrate Christ’s life, death and resurrection.
