Today we receive ashes to remind us that "we are dust and to dust we shall return". The Liturgy is very beautiful and, I think, is encouraging. We ask God that we "may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service, so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint."
The first reading reminds us the Lord waits for us to return with our whole heart..."For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment."
Paul reminds us in the second reading that we are ambassadors for Christ. "as if God were appealing through us." He implores us to be reconciled to God.
Jesus will give us good advice in the Gospel (Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18). He tells us, among other things, "when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you."
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