ASH WEDNESDAY

A story has it that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, once captured a prince and his family. When they were brought before him, Cyrus asked the captured prince, “What will you give me if I release you?”
“The half of my wealth,” was his reply.
“And if I release your children?”
“Everything I possess.”
“And if I release your wife?”
“Your Majesty, I will give myself.”
Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he freed them all. As they returned home, the prince said to his wife, “Wasn’t Cyrus a handsome man!” With a look of deep love for her husband, she said to him, “I didn’t notice. I could only keep my eyes on you—the one who was willing to give himself for me.” Lent is here again beginning today with the ‘Ash Wednesday’ celebration, and it is the time for us to remember Jesus, the one who was willing to give his life for us and the manner in which he did, in fact, give his life for us. The Lord makes an invitation to us in every urgent term. ‘Come back to me with your whole heart, fasting, weeping and mourning.’’ In our days it seems that weeping and mourning are easier, for we just are passive when they occur. Fasting is sacrificing that one would prefer in order to help those in need. But indeed, its power is in its ability to help us “come back to the Lord” like the call in the first reading. Through fasting, we are able to say to things, “you cannot possess me; my happiness does not depend on you.” And while we engage in this, we are encouraged in the Gospel to do all in humility. The most important thing in this season apart from the three acts outlined by the church (fasting, Prayer and alms giving), we can also make much effort to fast from SIN. The call from God is still on “Come to me”, and he says to us, “though your sins be as scarlet, I shall make them white as the snow”. May God grant us a grace-filled Lenten Season.