Ash Wednesday

5/3/2025

The traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving offer us three distinct yet deeply interconnected ways of growing in our relationship with God. Rather than separate disciplines, they actually form one spiritual path with three dimensions, each reinforcing the others. Fasting is often associated with abstaining from food or drink but, in a broader sense, it is about renouncing anything that hinders our relationship with the Lord. It is a deliberate turning away from self-centredness, a ‘no’ to anything that draws us away from God. This frees us to offer a greater service to God, expressed through prayer, and a ‘yes’ to others, expressed through almsgiving, which is ultimately an act of self-giving love.

A danger of Lent is that it can subtly become self-focused rather than God-centred. What begins as an act of devotion can, if we are not careful, turn into a pursuit of personal achievement. Jesus reminds us that these practices are not about drawing attention to ourselves, but about deepening our relationship with God and serving others with humility. True Lenten discipline leads us away from self-interest and towards a heart that is fully open to God’s grace.

In receiving the ashes, we are given a solemn reminder that we are dust, and unto dust we shall one day return (Gen 3:19). It reminds us that even the most ordinary and cherished things of this world will one day fade away. So, Lent gives us the opportunity once again to reflect on the temporary nature of earthly life. We are not meant to cling to material things, for everything in this world will ultimately pass away. Instead, we are invited to fix our hearts on what is eternal, seeking God’s kingdom rather than fleeting earthly treasures. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving will keep that in the forefront of our Lenten journey and lead us closer to God and the undying treasure of his love and mercy.

Fr Thomas O'Brien a.a