There are certain words that we use in our vocabulary that give us an insight into God. I called them “God words.” For example, I think that “forever” is a “God word.” The very concept, the thought of “forever” is a concept that is difficult to grasp. We use it very casually, but it has a deeper significance and can tell us something about God.
I think the word “promise” is a God word. So often we humans make a promise to someone and then so quickly break that promise. That is not how God works. God keeps His word, God is faithful to his promises. And any promise that we make is actually part of something divine, as long as we keep that promise.
“Behold” is another “God word”. The use of that word in the Scriptures always indicates some divine activity, “Behold the Lamb of God.” “Behold the handmaid of the Lord.” The use of that word implies some divine interaction.
And today, on this Ash Wednesday, there is another word, very simple, “now.” The Prophet Joel tell us “Even now says the Lord, return to me.” The word “now” conveys an opportunity set before us, a chance that is given to us for something new, something better, something greater than what we currently have. Saint Paul says, “Now is a very acceptable moment.” And with the use of that word, we recognize something in front of us, some opportunity that we can’t let pass by. “Now” calls us to Action, to a deeper, heightened sense of God calling us to something higher, more noble, in the moment, “right now.”
What does this moment look like? The Gospel tells us to perform righteous deeds for God and not for others. Give alms to the poor, without anybody noticing. Pray in the inner room of your heart and fast from things with a smile on your face.
Now is the time. These 40 days are a gift to us! Let us not pass this time by. Let’s take these days recognizing the presence of Christ “now”, in the moment. Let us strive to be more aware of the presence of Jesus, let us strive to be a little quieter and in the stillness of our lives recognize “Be still and know that I am God.” Let us be a little bit more open to how God wants to be with us in the “here and now.” Let’s do it for a day, let’s do it for 40 days. That would make for a good Lent and a great Easter