Outward, Not Inward

Homily for Ash Wednesday

I would imagine that most of us have already decided upon a Lenten penance. The Gospel for Ash Wednesday tells us about a threefold charter to follow during Lent. We are to give alms, pray, and fast, all in secret. In many ways, Ash Wednesday is another day on which to make various resolutions.

Psychologists have suggested that making resolutions both on New Year’s Day and Ash Wednesday are often aimed at our own self-image and ego, that we are trying to improve ourselves so that we look better or feel better; but these resolutions often fail because the true focus needs to be outward, not inward. They say a better course of action is not to try to improve yourself, but rather, to try to help those around us feel better.

If we pause and reflect upon this, isn’t this how Christ lived his life, not trying to constantly improve his self-image, but rather, working to improve the wellbeing of those he met? In so doing, he showed them the joy that comes from the selfless love of serving our neighbor and the profound and positive impact it can have on our lives.

So, as we start our 40-day Lenten journey, maybe we should try something different. Rather than “giving something up for Lent,” perhaps we should resolve to look for moments in which we can demonstrate kindness and concern for those around us. Maybe listening a little longer, sharing a meaningful compliment, helping someone without having to be asked, or volunteering to do something extra.

Who knows! When the 40 days of Lent are over, if we truly perform random acts of kindness maybe the happiness we find in serving others becomes a lifestyle we won’t want to give up, and a resolution we can finally keep.