ASH WEDNESDAY

Posted on February 22, 2023 by franksantucci

We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5: 20)

“Yes, my brothers, come, and you will see with what joy we will help you to take up your yoke that will seem too heavy only for the first few moments of your conversion, for when once you are freed from sin, light will take the place of the deep shadows that reigned in your souls, God will seem so lovable to you, he will fill your hearts with so great a consolation.”

Eugene de Mazenod’s sermon to the poor of Aix en Provence, 1813

REFLECTION

Each year you bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts and prepare with joy for the paschal feast.

By more faithful prayer and works of charity and by celebrating the mysteries of our rebirth, we are led to the fullness of grace as your sons and daughters.

(Preface for Lent I, Sacramentary)

This entry was posted in WRITINGS. Bookmark the permalink.

One Response to ASH WEDNESDAY

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate says:
    February 22, 2023 at 12:55

    There is a quiet joy arising from within me this morning as I sit with Eugene and all who come here to meet in prayer and “prepare with joy”. I can only ponder the wonder of those poor on Ash Wednesday, March 3 1813 as they listened to Eugene speak to them of God’s immense love for them – they who were considered to be the least.

    Perhaps for the first time in my life I reflecting on the wording of the ‘Preface for Lent I’. How have I not heard these words before? Perhaps because I have been in a rush to sing the Holy, Holy, or wanting to get to the “good part” which is the Consecration.

    “…light will take the place of the deep shadows that reigned in your souls, God will fill your hearts with so great a consolation.” The promise we are offered today, a renewal of that we which we know but sometimes need reminding of.

    I think of the Missioning Prayer which we collectively say at the end of Mass as we are sent out to live and share “…the love that has been poured out for us”…

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *