The observance of Ash Wednesday today, as we begin the season of Lent, we are once again called to reflect on how we live our lives and contemplate what is essential in our life.
The Ritual of the Ashes, as it is called, is when the faithful are marked with a cross on the forehead using ashes from burned palm branches blessed from Palm Sunday of last year. This rite reminds us of our mortality and of how life can be so temporal. God said, “From dust you came, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19)
Despite of this, we are however reminded that there is a promise of immortality to those who hope in God’s mercy through Jesus Christ who gave up His life for our salvation. “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he died, shall live.” (John 10:25)
Most of us are probably intrigued if there really is an afterlife. In fact it is an issue that is in the core of every religion in the world. The human mind has forever been contemplating the existence of a world beyond this realm. Science has yet to discover whether it is real or not. Philosophy can only explain as far as human reason may permit. While the arts can only proximate the idea of the hereafter only through creativity and imagination.
It is only by faith can we truly believe the eternal life. It does make sense to most of us to believe that a life awaits us from this temporal existence. It is what gives meaning to the issues we confront in our lives. What is the point of doing good, being loving or caring, or bearing sacrifices if these does not warrant any reward after this lifetime? On the otherhand, there has to be a corresponding punishment for bad deeds, too.
Living in this imperfect world characterized by pain, suffering, difficulties and oppression, the idea of an afterlife gives us so much hope that we have the chance to be in a place of perfect happiness, joy, tranquility and freedom someday. Provided we have fulfilled what has been required of us by our faith. Or suffer the contrary consequences. Indeed, the eternal life is the ultimate act of Divine Justice.
Yes, it is but a matter of time. We each will leave this world when our respective lifetimes are over. The afterlife can be a heavenly thought or dreadful as hell. How we live and spend our lifetime here shall determine our place of immortality.
Let us pray,
Dear God,
As we begin the observance of Lent,
let us make the necessary reparations
so that we may be worthy to share in
the joy of Easter.
As today, Ash Wednesday,
we are reminded of our own mortality,
may we fully realize our total dependence
on Your mercy and salvation.
Strengthen us in our faith in Jesus Christ,
the resurrection and the life. So that we
may be worthy of His promises.
Forgive our sinfulness, O Lord
and give us a forgiving heart as well.
May humility and perseverance
guide us through our daily life.
We pray for a heavenly hope
and a fear of hell to inspire us
to be our best so that when this
lifetime has come to an end,
Eternal life with You be ours
someday.
Amen.
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