ASH WEDNESDAY [C]: Jl 2: 12-18; II Cor 5: 20--6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

ASH WEDNESDAY [C]: Jl 2: 12-18; II Cor 5: 20--6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Pope Benedict stunned the world by announcing his resignation, effective February 28. I feel mixed emotions - sadness that physical weakness makes him unable to continue in this office. At the same time, I feel a tremendous gratitude to have been a priest under two of the most amazing men to occupy the Chair of Peter - Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI. As we begin Lent I ask you to join with me in prayer for Pope Benedict in the final weeks of his papacy - and for the cardinals as they meet in March to elect a new pope.

Along with sadness and appreciation, the pope's announcement has also brought some humor. One jokester quipped: The pope has set a really high bar for giving up something Lent! Whatever you and I give up, it will not be so dramatic as...giving up the papacy!

In a Lenten message Pope Benedict gave some concrete suggestions. He recalls the three basic Lenten "tasks" - prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Sometimes people think that these practices are outmoded, that Jesus has somehow spiritualized everything. You know, it's the 21st century - we don't have to get on our knees, or reach into our wallets or pass up a tempting dessert. For people who have fallen into a vague "spirituality," I ask them to re-read today's Gospel. Jesus does not say, "If you fast." He says, "When you fast." He does not say, "If you feel like praying." He says, "When you pray." Nor does he say, "Give if you happen to have something extra." No, he says, "When you give alms." This phrase implicate the practice of almsgiving, prayer and fasting are part of a Christian.

Joke: The church was packed with the faithful eager to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday. Pat, Father Kelly's janitor, offered to help. "OK," said Father, "now these are the words you say: 'Remember, man, you are dust, and unto dust you shall return." Pat prepared to start at the opposite end of the communion rail. (This was in the old days, as you can realize.) But Pat came hurrying over to Father: "Father, what are those words again?" Father told him, Pat went back to his station, but in a moment he was back, asking for the words, which Father repeated. When Pat came back the third time Father exploded: "You are a dummy and you'll always be a dummy." Pat didn't come back but when the padre and the janitor came close to each other at the middle the priest was dumbfounded to hear the words Pat was saying: "You are a dummy and you'll always be a dummy"

Practical Implication: spent 15minutes in meditation just looking at the crucified Christ during this lent.