Listening beneath the surface of things...

Today is Ash wednesday and although we will mark this day without the traditional mark of ashes, it's worth mentioning that ashes are a symbol. It's not the ashes themselves, but the meaning behind them that is important.

The symbolism of Ash Wednesday suggest that we stop covering up the unsettling and disappointing experiences we all share in common; its a humble sign that we have not always been attentive to what our hearts have had to say. On this day it's okay to speak honestly and about the important things we had to neglect.

As we gather to pray and to listen, let us be attentive.

Let us listen to what our lives, our hearts, our minds and even our bodies are trying to tell us.

Let us pray,

Thinking about all the situations going on in the world and in our own lives, where it feels like no one is listening or that no one is paying attention, we pray for a spirit of listening to be with us.

In today's Gospel we hear the words:

“But whenever you pray, go into the inner room of your heart

and speak with the One who sees what is hidden.”

(Cf. Matthew 6:6)

Jesus is reassuring his listeners that the human heart is a very sacred place and that deep within us, the Spirit of God is listening. If we listen beneath the surface of things we find that our heart is speaking a truth we need to hear.

In today's psalm we hear :

"You desire truth in my innermost being,

and in the hidden part of my heart

you will make me know wisdom."

(Psalm 51)

This Lent, listen to your heart. "When we dare to fully trust in the power of God’s Spirit listening in us, we will see true healing occur." Henri Nouwen

Spirit of God, bring us to a this inner place where we are free to receive, to welcome and to accept. Create in us a sacred space where we can be received and listened to. This Lent may we become a people where your Spirit prays and listens in us to all who come to us with their sufferings and pains.

Note: Pope Francis has asked that this Ash Wednesday be a day of prayer and fasting for people of Ukraine and the surrounding region. Please remember them in your prayers today and in the days ahead.

At this time we invite you to share today's video reflection.