After the verses of the Miserere, the penitential psalm par excellence (Ps 51), the Apostle invites us to reconciliation with God (2 Cor 5:20 6:2). The prophecy of Joel convokes the people of Israel to penance as a means of calling down the mercy of the Lord (Jl 2:12-18). The readings of the Holy Mass for this day were chosen by the Church with the goal of situating the faithful within the perspective of the time that is beginning. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, commemorated this year on February 13. Fasting, prayer and almsgiving are sensible signs of penance by which we prepare ourselves to commemorate the central event of Salvation History: the Resurrection of the Lord celebrated on Easter Sunday. Throughout its six weeks of duration, grace prompts us to a sincere change of heart. One of the times in which this occurs with greater intensity is the Lenten Season, “the acceptable time” for conversion (cf. The beginning of Lent is marked by a simple, but deeply symbolic ritual: the imposition of ashes as a sign of true and heartfelt repentance.Īs we have already seen on previous occasions, the rich Liturgy of the Church wisely guides us throughout the year so that we can derive a specific spiritual benefit from each event.
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