I have always loved Ash Wednesday. Some people think that is strange but I don’t. I like it because it is an
opportunity to begin again. We are
all in need of this season of Lent.
The fact that churches throughout our country will be overflowing on
this day of receiving ashes is evidence of that. I am aware of my gifts but maybe even more of the areas
where I fall short.. And so the
Church gives this time to begin again, to turn to our Lord.
In our monastery we have the tradition of filling out our
Bona Opera (which means “Good Works” in Latin). A little while before Ash Wednesday our Prioress gives us a
card that says: During these days of Lent, I, Sr
__________________, will add to the usual measure of our service by way of . .
. Prayer _____________________, Fasting ________________________
Almsgiving _________________________.
Each Sister spends time
reflecting on these areas in her life and how she needs to grow. After prayerful consideration, she
fills it out and places it in a basket in our chapel. During Mass on Ash Wednesday our Bona Operas are blessed as
we begin the good work of Lent. It
is work, isn’t it? It is hard to
change, to grow, to let go of those parts of ourselves that don’t take us to
God. And, yet, grow we must if we
are to become the person God has called us to be.
Reflection:
Reflect on the areas of your life where you most need to
grow. Ask Jesus to help you turn back to him with all your heart.
What does Ash Wednesday mean to you? Share the ways that this season of Lent
calls you to grow.
Loving God,
You ask us to repent and believe in the Gospel
And to remember that we are dust and to dust we shall
return.
We are nothing without you but with you we are everything.
Be with us as we begin this season of Lent.
May it be a time of continual turning to you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
