Ash Wednesday February 25, 2004 Scripture: Joel 2:12-18; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 Reflection: The first reading for Ash Wednesday always gets my imagination going as I can hear the trumpet blasts and visualize everyone –elders, children, infants, bride and bridegroom stopping everything and gathering together for something very great! What kind of celebration can be greater than a feast or a wedding? I am always equally surprised that all this excitement is over the proclamation of a fast! It is almost a let down to think that fasting and rending my heart should be something to look forward to until I read further on that because of these actions “the Lord is stirred for concern for His people.” I am being challenged to repent, turn away from sin, and believe in the good news. Only when I become aware of and accept the responsibility for my thoughts, words, actions, and omissions which separate me from God and others can I ever experience the fruit of repentance, true reconciliation. In the second reading Paul exhorts us to be ambassadors of reconciliation, as if God is appealing through us. What a privilege, what a challenge! The reading also emphasizes that “this is the acceptable time.” Since we are only sure of the present moment, then this moment is the acceptable time to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Suggested action: Live each moment today as if it were your last one. Sister Kathleen Lannak, IHM Silver Spring, Maryland

Graphic: Sr. Donna Korba, IHM