Homily – First Sunday of Lent (C)

Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of a new season in the liturgical calendar.  Ashes reduced from palm leaves is a powerful reminder of who we are and what we are.  From the earth, our physical being is fashioned from God’s hands.  Our body is evident of God’s marvellous and creative work.  Such great work is not just skin-deep.  We’re created to be in relationship with the one who loves us.

During Lent, there are things that we do and say that deepen our awareness of God in our life.

Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are the external and visual signs of what is in our hearts.  Is our heart for loving God or for something else?

Lent is a graced time to pray.  Prayer is allowing a time in our day to unite our heart and mind to our Creator.  Waiting, watching and allowing our mind to wander are ways we actively seek the divine presence.

Fasting was once upon a time for self-discipline to “give up” things because we believe it pleases God.  Hunger that comes from fasting can help us realise other “hungers” that we need to attune ourselves to.  Christ quoted Scripture in his moment of temptation ‘Man does not live on bread alone.’

Finally, almsgiving is an act of love.  Love is not all about us.  Growing in awareness of God we need to grow in awareness of our neighbour.  “What you do to the least of these, you did it to me.” We do these to the least because we recognise there is a need that we can meet.

May this season be one of renewal and enlightenment for all of us.

By Fr Hoang Dinh