A change of heart

READ at the CBCP (Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines) news, “It is the first time in 73 years that Valentine’s Day falls on Ash Wednesday”.

It is delightful to note that despite this, the faithful flocked to church. The altar was noticeably covered with a bright kingly purple mantle and also vestments and paraphernalia at that, ushering the beginning of the Lenten season. The homily last February 14, Ash Wednesday, reminds us and speaks of repentance. Repentance through A.S.H. where A is for - Alms giving and doing acts of charity. Giving to the needy and doing away with unnecessary materials or things in our life; S - for Sacrifice by fasting and abstinence. “Ash Wednesday is a day of universal fasting and abstinence. Fasting is eating one full meal only and is required from age 18 to 60. Abstinence is avoiding our “favorites” and is from age 14”. Fasting and abstinence is done every Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and all Fridays of Lent”; H- is for living a Holy life through prayer and practicing our faith through doing good deeds.

Ash Wednesday marks the start of the season of Lent. It marks the start of the 40-day period before Easter. The 40 days reminds us Jesus’ retreat and fast in the wilderness for 40 days and also the 40 years that the Israelites wandered in the desert before entering the Promise Land.

Catholics and Christians wear the ash worldwide on this day. “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel”. Traditionally burnt palm from the previous year of Palm Sunday are used to make the ashes. The ashes symbolize repentance, humility and mortality. It is to acknowledge that we are all sinners.

The faithful are being encouraged to renew their practices this lent. To repent and have a “change of heart” by alms giving for pastoral and charitable causes, fasting and abstinence and by praying.” To remember Christ’s passion and death. To reflect on the Stations of the Cross. Info lifted from the CBCP website and the Diocese of Baguio FB. Brenda Lee Villanueva