Put oil on your head

(To the Sources)

‘…But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting.…’ (Matthew 6:17-18)

From Matthew 6:1-19 (Year A: Ash Wednesday)

It’s that time of year again. The triple initiative of prayer, fasting and almsgiving is not unique to Christianity. Most religions facilitate times of special dedication, purification, discipline.  The Christian expression of such time is linked to the death and resurrection of the One who was tempted, tried, pursued, brought down and … lifted up.

In the Gospel of the day the traditional order: prayer, fasting and almsgiving is reversed by Matthew. It is almsgiving first and then prayer and fasting.  Following on from the sermon on the mount we are reminded that acts of discipline and self-denial always start in relationships to others and end there. Everything has a social as well as a divine purpose. Otherwise prayer and fasting become exercises in spiritual self-indulgence with no content.

We do well to remember that giving time and effort to prayer, fasting and almsgiving is a mark of choice and of privilege. Many in the world this day have no such choice because they are starving or because to engage in a public expression of their faith will invite persecution.

The key to Lent is love – a positive care for others and for the creation with which we are gifted. The world waits for good news – not long faces and an outward show or false piety but joy, love and service.  Let this lent be a time of renewal for everyone – above all those who await hope and meaning.  Let each one begin every day anew with:

A joyful heart;

A clear conscience;

A quiet mind; and

A firm resolve