Ash Wednesday Homily

 Today we begin a sacred journey, the journey of Lent. It is a journey of repentance, self-examination, and transformation. As we receive ashes on our foreheads, we hear the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These ashes remind us of our mortality, but they also remind us of something greater—our need for God’s mercy and grace.

The prophet Joel calls out to us: “Return to me with all your heart.” Notice he does not say, “Tear your garments,” but “rend your hearts.” True repentance is not about outward signs; it is about an inner change. God is not interested in appearances. He desires our hearts.

Psalm 51 gives us the prayer we need today: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” This is the heart of Lent—a desire not just to be forgiven, but to be transformed. We come before God not pretending to be perfect, but humbly asking Him to renew us from within.

 In the Gospel, Jesus warns us not to practice our faith for others to see. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are not performances. They are personal acts of love between us and God. Lent is not about impressing people; it is about drawing closer to the Father who sees in secret. The ashes we receive today are both a sign of humility and a sign of hope. Yes, we are dust.  our lives are fragile. But the God who formed us from dust is the same God who can restore us, renew us, and breathe new life into us. The ashes mark not an end, but a beginning—a fresh start. ( Luke:15 Prodigal Son)

Lent invites us to ask: Where do I need conversion? What in my life needs healing? What is separating me from God? These forty days are a gift—a time to pray more deeply, to fast from what distracts us, and to give more generously. Lent is not about perfection. It is about returning. Returning to the Lord who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in love. It’s also season of Spiritual preparation for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery that’s Christ’s passion, death, resurrection and ascension.

 As we begin this holy season, may we open our hearts completely to God. May these ashes remind us that though we are dust, we are deeply loved. And may this Lent be a true season of renewal and transformation for each one of us. Amen