The head of the Commission on Youth of the Diocese of Dumaguete has highlighted the need for repentance and go into a deep reflection of man’s sinful nature and God’s immense love and mercy for His people.
Fr. Hendrix Alar, in his homily during a 12 noon Ash Wednesday mass, reminded the people of the biblical passage that says of humans: “from dust unto dust shall you return”.
Yet, this famous biblical verse should not only be the focus of the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday, according to Fr. Alar.
Going deeper into reflection, Fr. Alar pointed out that the ashes also teach us about humility, as when the ashes fall to the ground and become absorbed by it, it is a symbol of lowliness.
As the Christian world enters into the Lenten season of repentance, penance and prayer, people are asked to posture themselves as humble beings seeking God’s forgiveness and mercy, Fr. Alar said.
The ashes imposed on the foreheads of the people on Ash Wednesday symbolize an opportunity for two important things, namely, repentance and God’s mercy, the priest highlighted in his homily.
Repentance in that we recall how sinful we are and how far we have strayed away from God but at the same time to also experience the power of God’s mercy that despite how unclean we are, we can still embrace God’s mercy, Fr. Alar stressed.
The priest, who headed the 56-member youth delegation from the Diocese of Dumaguete to the recently concluded 51st International Eucharistic Congress held in Cebu City, also expressed anticipation over Lent being the best season for the young people to live out their experience as regards the Eucharist. (PNA)
