Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. On this day, the Church once again calls us to repentance by means of the ceremony of ashes. Repentance means a turning away from sin and turning towards God. A change of heart is necessary for all of us, no one is excepted. No matter who we may be, no matter how good we think we are, because of our weaknesses we have been guilty of sin and need repentance.

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of acts of righteousness in three areas: 1) alms-giving, 2) prayer, 3) fasting. As followers of Christ we are called to perform these 'good deeds' and Jesus reminds us that we are to perform them for the right reason to avoid falling into the age-gap of human flattery and outward show. What matters most is our interior attitude and sincerity before God. Yes, God sees the heart, the interior.

God who is loving, merciful and compassionate is calling us here and now to be reconciled to Him and to one another in Christ. Therefore as we go forward to receive the ashes let us resolve to emulate Christ as He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.