Daily Catholic Lectio. Wed, 5 March ’25. Ash Wednesday

Daily Catholic Lectio

Wed, 5 March ‘25

Ash Wednesday

Joel 2:12-18. Psalm 51. 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2. Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

A way of life

Today, as we wear ashes, we enter the season of Lent.

(1) What is Lent?

(a) A period of time: Lent is a season, a set period of time. But it should not be just a calendar event—from March 5 to April 20, 2025—without meaning. Instead, it should be a time that brings transformation in our lives.

(b) A time of preparation: Lent prepares us to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ in a meaningful way.

(c) A time to embrace the other side of life: Lent invites us to live differently: Instead of eating abundantly, we experience hunger. Instead of accumulating wealth, we share with others. Instead of drifting away from God, we return to Him.

(2) A Lenten way of life

(a) Returning to God. Because God is already turning toward us. In today’s first reading (Joel 2:12-18), we hear: “Return to me with all your heart.” Rather than tearing garments in sorrow, we are called to tear open our hearts in repentance.

(b) Fasting and self-discipline. Fasting is choosing to embrace hunger. Self-denial is letting go of comforts. Through these practices, we experience our human frailty and recognize our dependence on God.

(c) Moving toward others. Lent invites us to go beyond ourselves and reach out to those in need. Compassion means responding to others’ existence with care.

(3) The Challenges of Ash Wednesday

(a) Take hold of this day. In today’s second reading, Paul proclaims: “Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation.” There is no “tomorrow”. Transformation begins today, in this moment.

(b) Seek the inner room, not external recognition. Today, we are always outward-focused, constantly engaging with social media and seeking public validation. We want everyone to see and know everything about us. But the most essential things in life happen within the heart, in secret. It is time to close the doors and enter the inner room.

(c) Let go of a hardened heart. The Gospel Acclamation reminds us: “Do not harden your hearts. Listen to His voice.” A hardened heart resists change. A frozen heart becomes lifeless. We must let go of the stiffness within us and allow God to transform us.

May this Lenten season be a time of grace for us all!

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy