In the past, these were summed up in the symbolism of giving up some luxury or of taking on some virtuous activity. Then the liturgy, and especially our Gospel reading, reminds us of what instruments we can use in this challenge to put our life back on track with the Gospel: prayer, penance and works of charity.
The more recent formula “Repent and believe in the Gospel” is a more simple yet specific invitation to change our lives and put them into line with what the Gospel means. It is a reminder that the day will come when we return to our original dust and bring nothing of our possessions with us except the goodness and integrity of the way we lived.
It was a warning to all of us that, given the precariousness of human life, we have hastily to put our life in order. The traditional text that was used in imposing ashes was “Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return”. I might even get a few honest “I am not sure” answers as well. What do ashes mean to us? I feel that if I distributed a questionnaire here at Mass this morning I would get a very wide range of answers and interpretations in response. What is it about ashes? I doubt that there is any other symbol in Catholic tradition that draws so many people who would not otherwise wear their religion on their sleeves, not just to come to Church for ashes, but also to be seen even in the most secular environment wearing ashes. The Parish Priest of Saint Peter’s Church in the financial district of New York told me that he and his team would spend all day today distributing ashes to thousands from the Wall Street Community whom they may not see again for another year The Rector of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York told me recently that they expect tens of thousands of people to come to their Cathedral today for blessed ashes. Parish Partnerships, Initial Phase: Process and Timeline.
Principles which inform our Pastoral Strategy.Archdiocese of Dublin Statement of Mission.Living the Hope of Easter Pastoral Letter.An Invitation to Parish Partnerships Building Hope.Building Hope parish gathering resources.Radical renewal: how Dublin Archdiocese is ‘Building Hope’.Building Hope feedback: Archbishop Farrell responds.Building Hope in Parish Partnership – Advent 2022.Timeline: Parish Partnership Mass Schedule.
0 kommentar(er)
