But Sinners

But Sinners

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

If you remove the yoke from among you, the accusing finger, and malicious speech; If you lavish your food on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; Then your light shall rise in the darkness, and your gloom shall become like midday; Then the LORD will guide you always and satisfy your thirst in parched places, will give strength to your bones And you shall be like a watered garden, like a flowing spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:9B-11

The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus said to them in reply, "Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners." Luke 5:30-32

Piety

In the tender compassion of our Lord
The dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness
And the shadow of death,
And to guide our feet into the way of peace.

(Concluding verse from the “Canticle of Zechariah”)

The Dawn from On High Shall Break Upon Us

Study

Sitting around at work Wednesday, some Catholics were pretty easy to identify.  The men were not wearing a cassock and surplice. The women were not wearing a habit and veil. We were wearing ashes.  I am sure the cafeteria sold a lot more tuna fish, grilled cheese, and salads that day.  I wager the McDonalds also had a run on Filet O’Fish more than Big Macs.

For those so marked (and for those who went to services later), they heard the familiar refrains as the minister delivered the cross of ashes to the foreheads of the believers.

"Repent, and believe in the Gospel."

"Remember that you are dust, and to dust, you shall return."

Fasting and wearing ashes, however, are not the proper aim for Lent. Today, Isaiah and Luke remind us that sacrifice is not enough unless we are willing to reform our way of life. As the notes in the NAB tell us, “a true social morality will ensure prosperity.”  That prosperity will extend to those who really need help – help from individuals, help from families, help from parishes and even if needed, help from the local, state or federal government.

The homily Wednesday morning at Missionhurst did not focus on the ashes.  The sermon focused on one word from the blessing, and that word was not dust.  That word was “return.” The purpose of Lent is to return to a proper relationship with Jesus and with our neighbors.

Action

What yoke do you have to remove to return to a proper relationship with Jesus and your neighbors?  The yoke of television?  The yoke of Smartphones? The yoke of opinions? The yoke of sloth? Identifying the yoke is the first step.  In these early days of Lent, rather than just giving up Twinkies or Chocolate or Bourbon, identify your yoke.  Then, as we go through the next 40 days, we can work on putting that yoke away.