Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season :  Ash Wednesday*

*Gospel :  Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18*

*First Reading : Joel 2:12-18*

*Responsorial Psalm : 51:3-17*

*Second Reading : 2 Cor 5: 20 - 6: 2*

*Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving*

*1) Fasting – Emptying Ourselves to Be Filled by God*

Jesus warns against fasting for attention. True fasting is not about appearing holy but about becoming humble.

Fasting teaches self-denial and discipline.

It reveals what controls us — food, habits, distractions.

It creates space for God to work in our hearts.

When no one sees our sacrifice, God sees it. Real fasting is not about losing food — it is about losing pride, ego, and selfishness.

On Ash Wednesday, the ashes remind us: “Remember you are dust.” Fasting reconnects us to this humility.

*2) Prayer – Intimacy with the Father*

Jesus says: “Go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.”

Prayer is not performance; it is relationship.

It is about presence, not praise from others.

It is conversation, not competition.

It is trust in a Father who already knows our needs.

God values sincerity over show. The hidden prayer of a humble heart is more powerful than the loudest public display.

Ash Wednesday invites us to return to that quiet room within our soul.

*3) Almsgiving – Love in Action*

Jesus teaches: “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”

Almsgiving is not charity for applause; it is compassion flowing from conversion.

It reflects God’s generosity.

It shifts our focus from self to others.

It transforms both giver and receiver.

The measure of our love is not how visible it is, but how genuine it is. Hidden generosity mirrors God’s hidden grace.

*4) Ashes Remind Us of Our Mortality and Humility*

When ashes are imposed, we hear: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Ashes symbolize: Human frailty, The temporary nature of life, Our dependence on God

In the Bible, ashes were a sign of repentance and humility before God. They remind us that no matter our success, power, or status, we are fragile and finite.

Ashes humble us. They strip away pride and illusions of self-sufficiency. When we accept that we are “dust,” we open ourselves to rely fully on God, who alone gives lasting life.

*5) Ashes Call Us to Repentance and Conversion*

Another formula used is: “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

Ashes are not only about death — they are about renewal.

They invite us to turn away from sin.

They mark the beginning of a spiritual journey (Lent).

They point toward transformation and new life.

Ashes come from burned palms of the previous Palm Sunday — a powerful symbol: what once celebrated victory is now turned into a sign of repentance.

Ashes are not a sign of despair but of hope. They remind us that even what is burned and broken can become the beginning of renewal. God can transform our failures into grace.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*