March 2, 2022: Ash Wednesday
Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
“So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Today is a day of fasting and prayer for Christians the world over, and Pope Francis has announced that this Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and prayer for Ukraine. We can unite our hearts in the hope for peace, not only in Ukraine, but in war-torn countries the world over (Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq).
As people of faith, we believe that prayer makes a difference a difference in our lives – it transforms us into kinder, more loving people. Things that used to get under our skin don’t seem to matter as much anymore when we are people of prayer. We recognize our own goodness and the goodness of others when we pray, because we allow the Spirit of Love that is God into our lives.
So if prayer makes a difference to us as individuals, think of what collective prayer for the good of the world can do! Prayer softens hearts, it helps increase understanding between people and leads to forgiveness and reconciliation. God’s presence and grace is real and powerful because the Spirit of the Resurrected Jesus is alive in our hearts and in the world. We musn’t ever think that our prayers are useless or wasted.
So this Ash Wednesday, we pray for Ukraine in a special way, and we pray for ourselves – that God’s grace come into our lives and mold us into the people we are called to be. This Lenten season, we are invited to model peace to the world by living in right relationship with one another, and by offering and seeking forgiveness whenever and wherever necessary. In this way, we help create goodness in our lives and in the world.
Just had to share your reflection! I know the world is praying for Ukraine
Glad to hear you shared this, Betty!