This coming Wednesday is “Ash Wednesday” and the beginning of Lent.
We should understand Lent as a time to grow closer to God, and grow in humility. One way to think of Lent is to see it as a great mountain we must climb from where we are today in our journey to the Day of the Lord’s Resurrection, or Easter. We cannot achieve the Resurrection and salvation of our souls by ourselves. We must rely on God and listen to his Word.
On Ash Wednesday, we will hear the words,
“Repent, and believe in the Gospel”
or,
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”
We cannot grow toward Easter and our resurrection without a profound humility, recognizing who we really are. We came from dust, and we will return to dust.
As priests we often visit the dying. When you have the opportunity to visit with someone in Hospice Care, or in a hospital and in their home, we come into the presence of people who, if they are conscious, know that their end is near.
These people are no longer concerned about the clothes they will wear, or what they will eat or drink. Those things are no longer important to them. They are not thinking about a new car or a new house. They are not concerned about whether people like them. None of those things matter.
If they have been living with the Word of God in their lives, they are more concerned about making a good Confession and being pardoned of their sins, or being anointed. They are much more concerned about what comes next, Heaven or Hell, or nothingness. They need to be surrounded by their families and close friends. They want to be loved and not feel forgotten or no longer relevant. Their major need is to be comforted and to overcome their fear.
People of faith who know they are facing imminent death are getting prepared as best they can. If they have been living with the Word of God, these people are generally hopeful in their preparations. They are looking forward. If they have not been living with the Word of God, these people are struggling with fear, depression, perhaps with defeat and meaninglessness. They tend to be looking backward.
When I consider my many experiences in the presence of the dying, my own fears of today or yesterday become meaningless. Take a good look at your own fears. Are you concerned about what you will eat or drink, where you will live or what clothes you will wear, or how much money you will have? Are you fearful of the politics in our nation or community?
There are people here in our community who are much more fearful about things affecting their lives, such as being deported or what will happen to their children. Many in our parish are seeking notary publics to sign documents that will provide care for their children if they are deported and to protect their children from being picked up by Texas CPS, Child Protective Services. Some have been saving their money for years to buy a home to improve their living conditions, and now are afraid they will lose everything they have worked for. There is a lot of fear, right here in our own community.
As you prepare for Lent, prepare for your eternal salvation. Look closely at your own fears. See those around you who are really struggling, hurting and afraid. Compare those needs of others to what you think your needs are.
“Repent, and believe in the Gospel”
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”
Have you ever felt abandoned by God? Remember the words of the prophet speaking of God’s love for us,
Can a mother forget her infant,
be without tenderness for the child of her womb?
Even should she forget,
I will never forget you.