Wednesday February 17, 2021 - Ash Wednesday - Today do not close your heart, but listen to the voice of the Lord - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 6, 1-6. 16-18

Ash Wednesday ! A rite for the Catholic faithful, which is celebrated to mark the beginning of the period of Lent which symbolizes the forty days that Jesus spent in the desert to meet God. It is a precious moment for us Christians; a period of grace during which we walk on the path of conversion and self-sacrifice to forge a more intimate relationship with God.

In the Sermon on the Mount, quoted in today's Gospel, Jesus shows us the three paths, fundamental for spiritual life, of true conversion.

First, charity, or sharing to get closer to others by making them benefit from the little that we have, because no one can be self-sufficient. This is for us a source of happiness for us, because as we say, he who gives is happier than he who receives. In doing so, let what our right hand does be unknown to our left hand.

Second, prayer. It is the way to communicate directly with God and a way for God to pour out his grace on us. Be careful however, it is not a question of praying to attract the eyes of men, but to pray to be heard by God. And God who sees in the most secret will answer you.

Third, the sacrifices by fasting and temperance. Self-denial is the way to progress, for the better, in individual life.

To embark on these three paths of conversion that Christ indicates to us at the beginning of Lent, requires efforts of humility and devotion so that the word of Jesus may be fulfilled: "Your Father who sees in secret will reward you" .

Jesus, may our prayers doubled with efforts in this time of Lent bring renewal and thanks to our spiritual life. Amen.