18 ASH WEDNESDAY Remember that you are in the presence of the Lord: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Ash Wednesday A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew: When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you. (Matthew 6:16-18) On this first day, the Gospel sets the tone! Lent is not a sad and long period of time, where we will make efforts reluctantly and tell everyone the list of good things we decided to give up for God! These forty days must bring us closer to God through prayer, fasting, and sharing. It takes effort, and even though it is not always easy, the Lord asks us to do it happily, heart to heart with him. If some days it seems too hard, we can always ask for his help! Today, Catholics around the world begin a forty-day spiritual journey called Lent. This journey will lead them to the greatest celebration of the liturgical year: Easter. Easter celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus, his victory over evil and death. When the day of a celebration is approaching, it is normal to prepare your house—your heart—to be ready for it. This is the purpose of Lent.
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