Ash Wednesday begins our 40 day season of Lent. We will be reflecting on various themes through the daily readings of the church, one of the greatest yet most underappreciated gifts of the Church.
Today let’s reflect on the word, “repent,” which means, “to turn away from.” We hear it as we receive the ashes, “Repent and believe in the gospel.”
Repentance acknowledges in humility that we don’t have it all figured out, and that we occasionally fall short of who we were designed to be. But rather than sweep it under the rug, we are challenged to take responsibility and work to correct it.
Unfortunately, it can be one of those fire and brimstone words that cause many of us recoil. But I want to challenge you to hear it in a much more loving tone – that of a parent gently imploring a wayward child back on to the path.
Listen to how our loving Father communicates this yearning in today’s first reading from Joel.
"Yet even now," says the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and repents of evil.
Take a moment now to pause and listen for your beating heart.
Know that nothing short of love itself enlivens your very being, and wants nothing but the best for you. And this loving parent is inviting you to turn around, own your sins, and be welcomed back into His loving embrace.